Hortencia Injured in Brazilian Win

Maria Paula Silva scored 25 points and Brazil’s women’s team overcame the early loss of star guard Hortencia to beat Japan, 100-80.

Brazil (3-0) has emerged as a likely challenger to the United States in the gold medal game, but Hortencia’s status was uncertain after she sprained her left ankle 6:44 into the game.

Hortencia’s ankle rolled when she landed on another player’s foot and she had to be carried off the floor by a trainer. She watched the rest of the game with her ankle wrapped in ice and resting on a chair.

Marta De Sooza Sobral added 21 points for Brazil, Alessandra Oliveira scored 20 and Janeth Arcain had 17.

Japan (1-2) has only two players as tall as 6 feet.

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In other games: unbeaten Australia beat Cuba, 75-63; Russia defeated previously unbeaten Italy, 75-70; China recovered from an early 11-0 deficit to beat Canada, 61-49; and South Korea beat Ukraine, 72-67.