The USA women’s basketball team defeated Belgium 87-74 in pool play at the Paris Olympics on Thursday afternoon. It was not always pretty, but in the end the Americans found a way to hold off a good effort from Belgium. The win improves the US to 2-0 in the group stage of the tournament.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The US Women entered this game with a winning streak of more than 50 games in Olympic competition. This game began as a back-and-forth contest, with A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart leading the American effort early. Halfway through the first quarter, it was tied at 12. By the end of the quarter, the score was still tied, this time at 23 a piece. Neither team led by more than five throughout the first.
In the second quarter, Team USA started to create a larger lead. Right past the halfway point in the quarter, Jewell Lloyd made a three to make it 40-29 and give the Americans their first double-digit lead. After the lead grew to 13, Belgium put together a quick 5-0 run to make it 44-36 with just over two minutes to go. The half finished with the US up 46-38.
In the third quarter, again Team USA struggled to pull away. With just over six minutes to play in the period, Emma Meeseman made a jumper to pull Belgium within four at 50-46. The US did make another run, and a three from Napheesa Collier got the lead back to 11 at 58-47. By the end of the third, however, Belgium was back within seven at 60-53.
In the fourth quarter, Team USA finally took control for good. Wilson and Stewart continued to be reliable as the Americans held off a great effort from Belgium. The US won 87-74 to move to 2-0.
BIG NUMBER: 13
Despite a gritty performance from Belgium, Team USA managed to win by 13 points. That helps them with the point differential tiebreaker. Their final match of pool play will be an undefeated showdown against Germany.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Breanna Stewart
This honor could have easily gone to A’ja Wilson as well, who had 23 points and 13 rebounds. However, Stewart led all scorers with 26 points, and also contributed seven rebounds and four assists. That duo continues to lead the American team in this tournament.
UP NEXT: Team USA is now 2-0 and will face Germany, who is also 2-0, on Sunday, August 4th at 10:15 AM central.