July 30, 2012

LONDON--On the first full day of competition at the London Olympics the first Villanovan in action was women's basketball player Lisa Karcic, whose Croatian team faced the United States in the first game of Group A round-robin play. Croatia was defeated 81-56 by the USA in a game that stayed close through the first three quarters.

Karcic, wearing number seven for Croatia, came off the bench to play 11 minutes in the game and finished with four rebounds, two each on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

Croatia scored just four points in a defensive-minded opening quarter and trailed 11-4 after the first period of play. In the second quarter a 24-20 scoring advantage over the United States trimmed the deficit to 31-28 at halftime. Croatia still trailed by just six, 53-47, heading into the fourth quarter but the USA pulled away with a 28-9 margin in the final period to go on to the 25-point victory.

Next up for Croatia is a Monday morning meeting with China.

Next up on the Villanova schedule is a Sunday evening men's basketball contest when Andrew Sullivan plays for host Great Britain against Russia. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m. Eastern time.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS: Friday, July, 27

None

TODAY'S RESULTS: Saturday ,July 28

Women's Basketball: United States 81, CROATIA 56

TOMORROW'S SCHEDULE: Sunday, July 29

Men's Basketball: GREAT BRITAIN vs. Russia (3:00 PM Eastern)