Paris 2024 Olympics: USA end Nigeria's dream to set up women's basketball semi-final v Australia, Belgium to play France
Updated 07/08/2024 at 22:24 GMT
The United States took a step closer to winning an eighth straight Olympic gold medal in women's basketball with a convincing win over Nigeria to reach the semi-final at Paris 2024. A'Ja Wilson starred for the US as Nigeria's fairytale run in France came to an end after becoming the first basketball team from Africa - male or female - to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
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The USA took a step closer to winning an eighth consecutive women's basketball Olympic gold medal with an 88-74 victory over Nigeria on Wednesday.
A'Ja Wilson was the star of the show with 20 points, and the Americans can now look forward to a semi-final with Australia on Friday.
Four US players scored nine points or more, as Jackie Young helped herself to 15 and Breanna Stewart 13.
“It’s a tricky tournament. It’s only six games so you have to evolve quickly. In every game we’re getting better,” Diana Taurasi, who is bidding for a sixth Olympic gold medal, told Eurosport.
“There’s still things to work on, obviously, but we’re heading in the right direction. Every time we play on this team we make sure we put the team first. All that matters is winning a gold medal.”
It may be the end of the road for Nigeria in France but having become the first African basketball side – male or female – to make the quarter-finals of the Games, they bow out with their heads held high.
Asked if she realised how special the tournament had been for Nigeria, Ezinne Kalu told Eurosport: “Yeah, for sure we do.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy playing against the United States. I mean, all the fans here are from America. We came here to fight, to play for Nigeria and Africa.”
Smith guides Australia to victory over Serbia
Australia were too strong for Serbia as they ran out 87-65 winners in Lille.
Alanna Smith was in influential form, scoring 22 points, while George Cayla and Jade Melbourne added 18 points each.
Jovana Nogic scored 17, but it was not enough to prevent Serbia from falling to defeat.
Belgium advanced to the last four of the competition for the first time with a 79-66 victory over Spain.
The duo of Kyara Linskens, with 19 points and nine rebounds, and Emma Meesseman, with 19 points and eight rebounds, starred for the Belgians.
They will meet France after the hosts overcame Germany 84-71, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Marine Johannes came off the bench to top score with 24 points, and Gabby Williams contributed with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.
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