USA and Nigeria will head to the next phase of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 women’s basketball on the crest of sensational wins.
USA gave Germany a dose of reality to wrap up the group phase of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 women’s basketball at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Monday, August 5 (Philippine time).
Meanwhile, Nigeria made history by cracking the quarterfinals for the first time ever.
Here’s a recap of today’s games:
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Canada vs Nigeria
Nigeria leaned on a strong third quarter showing to hack out a 79-70 win over Canada and take a safe passage to the quarterfinals.
Ezinne Kalu finished with 21 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Elizabeth Balogun chipped in 14 points and four rebounds, while Promise Amukamara added 12 points, six assists and five steals.
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The D’Tigress got it going in the third period where they overpowered Canada, 23-5, on the way to their second win in three games in Group B.
But Canada mounted some resistance, making a spirited run towards the end to cut what was once a 17-point lead to nine on Cassandre Prosper’s bank shot with 16 ticks remaining.
But there was nothing Canada could do after that to salvage its listless Paris campaign.
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Shay Colley led the way with 17 points and three steals but committed turnovers as Canada went down with a 0-3 win-loss tally.
Bridget Carleton and Kayla Alexander chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Germany vs USA
Germany had limited its foes to 70 points and below in its first two games in Group B.
But USA was no ordinary foe.
The Americans dealt the Germans a dominant 87-68 loss to top the group with a perfect 3-0 record heading into the quarterfinals.
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After a sloppy start, USA suddenly gained steam in the second period and outgunned the Germans, 25-10.
It was the American show from there.
Jackie Young topscored with 19, including the easy two with 3:32 remaining in the game to establish an 85-56 lead they never relinquished.
Young also shot 5-for-8 from the three-point area, while also getting four rebounds, swiping four steals and dishing out two assists.
A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart scored 14 and 13, respectively.
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Meanwhile, Satou Sabally led Germany with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals while Alexis Peterson supplied 14 points.
Leonie Fiebich had 10 points for the Germans, who now have a 2-1 win-loss record but are qualified for the quarterfinals nonetheless.