July 22, 2009

DEKALB, Ill.- Northern Illinois University head women's basketball coach Carol Owens and Team USA open play in the 2009 FIBA World Championships against Spain Wednesday in Bangkok, Thailand.

"I'm really excited," Owens said. "We've practiced well and we've done all we can do in practice. Now it's time for us to play."

Owens, who is the head coach of USA Basketball Women's U19 National Team, is entering her fourth-straight season working with USA Basketball. She led Team USA to gold at the 2008 FIBA Americas U18 Championships, her first as a head coach, and as an assistant in 2006 & 2007. Team USA defeated France, 86-46, in an exhibition game Monday.

Owens, the 2008 USA Basketball Developmental Coach of the Year, is expecting a tough contest with Spain, but feels the Americans are prepared.

"I expect it to be a very competitive, physical, up-tempo game and for Spain to come right at us," she said. "I think they'll challenge us in a lot of different areas. I feel our team is ready, they're anxious to play."

Tip off for Team USA and Spain is slated for 4:30 a.m. CST. Fans can follow Owens and Team USA in Thailand through Huskie Happenings and her blog at www.niuhuskies.com. -NIU-