July 28, 2012

South Carolina women’s basketball alumnae Ilona Burgrova and Iva Sliskovic kicked off their Olympic efforts Saturday, although neither could get her team on top. Burgrova drew the start for the Czech Republic in a 66-57 loss to China. Sliskovic supported her team from the bench in an 81-56 loss to the United States.

Burgrova played 26 minutes in her first Olympic start. She snagged three of her four rebounds on the offensive end and swiped a pair of steals to go with four points.

Croatia gave the United States a scare, trailing by just three points at half time and holding steady to trail by just six after three quarters. The Americans outscored their opponents 28-9 in the fourth quarter, however, to secure the decisive victory.

Burgrova is back in action on Mon., July 30, with a 6:15 a.m. (ET) contest against Turkey. Croatia faces China on Mon., July 30, in a 4 a.m. (ET) game.