Despite the stingy defense of the opposing Belgium women’s basketball team, the United States leaned on the same elements of their game that have garnered them success thus far as they advanced with their second win in Olympic play with an 87-74 final.
The combo of Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson along with their size and timely plays from their supporting cast allowed them to move forward with a showdown against Germany scheduled for Sunday.
But while they advanced past a Belgian squad that everyone knew would be one of their toughest to date, it was moments like a loose ball track down by Jewell Loyd late in the second half or the energy of Alyssa Thomas throughout that signified what it took to help propel the US to victory.
Both teams went into the second quarter tied up at 23 all. At the same time, the play of Belgium’s Emma Meesseman, 24 points and four rebounds, along with Antonia Delaere and Julie Vanloo kept them within striking distance throughout the game.
Delaere and Vanloo combined for 35 points.
Defense Proved to be Key
And for as crucial as the trio’s offense was, it was their defense that kept them in the game as the U.S. and their 11 first-half turnovers made gathering an offensive consistency difficult despite them finishing the game by shooting 47 percent from the field.
Trailing by seven going into the fourth, a 7-0 run by Stewart and Wilson pushed their lead to 14 as their defense held Belgium scoreless for over three minutes while ultimately putting the finishing touches on the win.
2-0 🤫
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 1, 2024
🇺🇸 #USABWNT #Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/lyVHqvyLao
Whether it was the clean-up in ball security in the second half, six turnovers, or their ability to continue to impose their will on the glass, a 49-28 rebounding edge overall. The U.S. continued to show why they are the team to beat moving forward.
Stewart led with 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Wilson posted a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds.
What’s Next for the United States Women’s National Team
Looking ahead, they will now prep for their final contest in group play against Germany. Germany touts a 2-0 record while being led by Satou Sabally. She is averaging 25 points and six rebounds in two games played.
Germany is coming off of a 75-64 win over Japan earlier in the day on Thursday. By the numbers, they look to be a formidable matchup for the US on Sunday.
In both games in the group stage, Germany posts a 44 percent shooting average from the field compared to the U.S. at 50 percent. They have had greater success from distance after connecting on nearly 40 percent of their three-point attempts.
As size goes, the advantage will fall yet again in favor of the US as Germany played without Nyara Sabally on Thursday. She left their Olympic opening win against Belgium, an 83-69 final, on Monday after posting 16 points and five boards in 24 minutes played.
