Spain almost got to be on the wrong end of history but still prevailed in the thriller against Puerto Rico.
No landmark for Puerto Rico on Wednesday, July 31 (Philippine time).
After Myo Hollingshod nailed the fadeaway jumper with 10 seconds remaining for a 62-61 lead, there was hope Puerto Rico could finally chalk up its first-ever Olympic win.
Spain’s Laura Gil said “not today.”
Gil picked up the rebound off Leonor Roriguez’s wild three-pointer, went up, and got fouled by India Pagan.
She made both pressure-packed free throws — her only score in the match — and Spain outlasted Puerto Rico, 63-62, in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 women’s basketball at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Spain currently sits atop Group A with a 2-0 win-loss record while the South American country continues search for its maiden Olympic dub.
Megan Gustafson finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Spaniards, who bucked a sloppy third period where they got outscored, 19-5.
Rodriguez fired 17 points, including the crucial layup with two minutes and 41 seconds to go that tied the match at 59-all.
Mariona Ortiz added eight points, with her last field goal giving Spain a 61-60 edge entering the final minute.
Meanwhile, Arella Guirantes paced Puerto Rico with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a block but botched a crucial point-blank shot with 54 ticks remaining.
Pamela Rosado kept Puerto Rico at bay early in the fourth period and scored 11 points, while Hollingshed added 10 points and 12 rebounds.