The Team USA Women’s basketball team defeated Australia 85-64 on Friday at the Paris Olympics. The victory moves the Americans into the gold medal match, which will be on Sunday.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Team USA got off to a quick start right away, quite the opposite of how the men’s team began yesterday. They were up 8-2 after Jackie Young made a layup just over two minutes into the game. Australia steadied things a bit at the end of the quarter, however, After being down 18-9, Australia went on a 7-0 run to get it down to a two point lead. Team USA scored last to lead 20-16 after one.
The second quarter began with a quick 12-0 run for the Americans, capped by an A’ja Wilson jump shot. That gave the US a more comfortable lead at 32-16. After that, the teams traded buckets for the majority of the remainder of the quarter. A Breanna Stewart three extended it to 19 at 43-24 with just under two minutes left in the half. By the break, it was a 45-27 lead for Team USA. The Americans shot 53% from the field in the half while holding the Australians to 33%.
The third quarter saw more consistency from the part of Team USA. An Alanna Smith three to start the quarter got Australia within 15, but that was as close as they would get. A Stewart layup inside of five minutes left in the quarter extended the lead to 58-36. She then put together an and-one to make it 63-36 and effectively put the game out of reach. By the end of the quarter, the lead was 66-40.
The fourth quarter was mostly a formality, as the Americans had managed the lead well. Kahleah Copper got some chances offensively and made the most of them, extending the lead to 30 at 73-43. Team USA would hold on for an 85-64 victory.
BIG NUMBER: 60
This win represented the 60th in a row for Team USA Women’s basketball in the Olympics. They have set the standard and will go for yet another gold medal this weekend.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Breanna Stewart
Stewart led Team USA with 16 points on the day. SHe also added six rebounds and five assists. She has been a leader on the floor throughout this tournament for the Americans.
UP NEXT: Team USA will go for gold on Sunday morning at 8:30 AM central time.