FIBA Women’s World Cup holders USA triumphed over FIBA Women’s EuroBasket champions Belgium 87-74 in a match that did live up to the hype at Paris 2024.
Knotted at 23-23 after the first quarter, USA started to break away in the second, taking an eight-point lead at the break. Belgium would narrow the gap slightly in the latter stages, but the firepower and offensive execution for the European champions was too much.
Breanna Stewart, who had 15 first-half points, ended with 26 to lead Team USA as they improved to 2-0 and booked their spot in the quarter-finals.
Germany is making strides at the Olympics. They soared into the quarter-finals by beating Japan 75-64 in the other Group C game.
Satou Sabally went for 33 points, as Germany were mainly untroubled against their Asian counterparts, winning all four quarters with their lead peaking at 12 points.
Hosts France passed their first test by qualifying for the quarter-finals but didn’t have everything their own way.
However, a dominant third quarter saw France hold Nigeria to just eight points, eventually winning 75-54 in Group B.
It was a result that had the crowd in Lille in party mood, knowing that their heroes will head to the capital next week for the knockout stages, as they hand the brave Nigerians their first loss.
Marine Johannes paced the French with 15 on 5/9 shooting, but Gabby Williams was more than influential, as she posted 14 points, seven assists and six steals.
World number three side Australia avoided possible elimination by edging out Canada 70-65 in the other Group B encounter.
The Opals piled pressure on their still-winless opponents. However, the small margin of victory could come into play in the shake-up to make the quarter-finals.
Sami Whitcomb led the way for the Aussies with 19 points and 10 assists.
Photo: FIBA
