Hamblin, Wiese Set for WUG Final Matchup
GWANGJU, South Korea – Guard Sydney Wiese and center Ruth Hamblin will find themselves on opposite ends of the floor Monday morning, when the USA and Canada face off in the Gold Medal Game of the World University Games. Team USA earned a double-overtime win over Japan, and Canada topped Russia early Saturday morning to advance to the tournament’s final game. Monday’s game will take place at 2 a.m. PT and will air live on ESPNU.
Wiese posted her best international performance so far in the quarterfinal round, when she went 5-for-6 from the floor on her way to a 13-point outing. She also played 24 minutes in Team USA’s semifinal matchup with Japan, helping the squad prevail in double-overtime.
The Phoenix, Ariz. native made her international debut in the USA’s opening game, an 86-68 win over Italy on July 5. She would proceed to tally six points and two rebounds in a 90-75 triumph over China, before notching nine points and two rebounds against the Czech Republic in group play. Overall, Wiese is shooting 59.1 percent from the floor through five games.
Hamblin has continued her outstanding international career in Korea, serving as an inside force for the Canadian squad. The 6-foot-6 center played a vital role in Canada’s advance to the championship game, recording 14 points and seven rebounds in Saturday’s semifinal matchup against Russia.
"Our defense got us into the game initially. We did a great job holding them to tough shots and we really contested everything," said Hamblin of the win over Russia. "In the second half we grinded it out and valued every possession. I thought it was a great team win with everyone contributing and making big plays. It was so much fun."
Canada opened the University Games with a barn-burner, battling Hungary through two overtimes before coming away with a 70-65 victory. Hamblin filled the stat-sheet in the contest, ending with nine points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, including a rejection in the final minute of regulation. The Mechanical Engineering major followed that up by putting up five points, nine rebounds and three blocks in a blowout of host South Korea, before wrapping up the group stage with six points, eight rebounds and three blocks against Mozambique.
