Image via WikipediaOSTRAVA, Czech Republic -- Despite winning seven NCAA titles at Connecticut, Geno Auriemma admitted he was nervous before coaching his first world championship game.
The U.S. team quickly eased those nerves with a 99-73 win Thursday against Greece in the opening round of the women's basketball worlds.
"This is difficult because first you're not coaching at UConn, where only the people in Connecticut care, now you're coaching a team where everybody in America cares if you win," said Auriemma, whose UConn teams have won a NCAA-record 78 games in two seasons. "I was probably more nervous today than before the national championship game back in April."
Angel McCoughtry and Swin Cash each scored 16 points to lead a balanced U.S. offense that featured five players in double figures.
"I thought it was a good game for us," Cash said. "We have so many people who can score that our depth always helps us. They made us work defensively, which will help us in the rest of the tournament."
The U.S. couldn't contain Evanthia Maltsi, who scored 29 points, including six 3-pointers for Greece. Styliani Kaltsidou added 21 points for the Greeks, who were making their first appearance at the event.
"They had two players tonight we couldn't stop," Auriemma said. "We played really well on the offensive side, but couldn't stop them."
Center Sylvia Fowles looked comfortable while playing seven minutes. She is still working her way back after surgery last month on her left knee repaired a torn meniscus. The 6-foot-6 star has only taken part in full practices for two days.
"This was Sylvia's first game since she had the surgery and I thought she looked very good," Auriemma said. "Sylvia changes the game as she's so big, so strong. I hope to player her a bit more tomorrow."
