Team USA overcame a feisty Belgium squad to secure their quarterfinals ticket in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The United States’ winning streak in the Olympics is now at 57 games after defeating world no. 6 Belgium, 87-74, at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Friday, August 2 (Philippine time).
The USA, which is seeking its eighth gold medal, has not been defeated in the Olympics since 1992.
Breanna Stewart made sure of that as she finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Contrary to their encounter five months ago in the 2024 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Team USA did not need a buzzer-beat to defeat world no. 6 Belgium.
The Belgians managed to keep the game close at the start, even tying the game at 23-all at the end of the first quarter.
But then Stewart exploded for 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field in the first half. The Americans used 23-15 second quarter to distance themselves at the end of the first half, 46-38.
After the break, Belgium looked like the more energetic team, cutting the deficit to just four points at 50-46. However, timely baskets by Aja Wilson and Jewel Lloyd restored USA’s slim lead to end the third.
In the fourth quarter, the Americans extended their lead to as big as 13 points behind the combined efforts of Stewart, Wilson, and Lloyd.
The Belgians showed one last fight in them after Antonia Delaere’s back-to-back threes to cut the deficit to seven. But again, Team USA went on another run behind Stewart to regain their double-digit lead and later the victory.
Wilson scored 23 points and had 13 rebounds in the victory. Lloyd and Alyssa Thomas added eight points apiece.
Emma Meesseman ended up with 24 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the loss which sent Belgium to an 0-2 record in the tournament.
Delaere contributed 16 markers, while Julie Vanloo had 11 points.
Belgium will look to keep their quarterfinals hopes alive as they go up against Tokyo 2020 silver medalists Japan on Sunday, August 4, at 5:00 p.m. (Philippine time).
Tied with Germany with a 2-0 record in Group C, the Americans will face the Germans also on the same day at 11:15 p.m.