D’Tigress face a tough loss to the USA in the Olympic quarter-finals. Read about the details and aftermath of the game.
Despite their reputation for relying on physical play, Nigeria didn’t seem intimidated by the formidable American team and demonstrated a competitive back-and-forth in the initial minutes of gameplay.
On Wednesday night at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nigeria’s D’Tigress endured a quarter-final loss of 74-88 to the U.S. women’s basketball squad.
Nigeria, known for their physical style of play, showed no signs of being intimidated by the dominant Americans as they exchanged baskets during the initial minutes.
A’Ja Wilson, a previous honoree of the WNBA Most Valuable Player title twice over, recorded 20 points and collected 11 rebounds to lead a group representing the US that has the potential to surpass the men’s basketball team in terms of consecutive Olympic gold medals. The record was previously established during1936-68.
Contributing 15 points was Jackie Young while Breanna Stewart, who had already been awarded the WNBA MVP twice before, added 13.
After defeating Serbia 85-67, the Opals are set to face off against the US in Friday’s semi-finals.
France defeated Germany, an Olympic debutant team, with a score of 84-71. This win secured their spot in the semi-finals against European champions Belgium who won over Spain, a previously undefeated team, by 79-66.
Marine Johannes scored an impressive 24 points to electrify fans as France performed well at Bercy Arena, although the United States remained the star attraction.
LeBron James, the NBA superstar and his fellow USA teammate Bam Adebayo were present at the game between a historic US team dynasty and African’s first-ever squad – male or female to reach Olympic basketball quarter-finals.
James and Adebayo relaxed on a night off from their game before facing Serbia in the men’s semi-finals. While doing so, they sat alongside renowned American swimmers Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.
Diana Taurasi, who is attempting to make history as the first-ever basketball player to win six Olympic gold medals, entered the game from the sidelines and promptly sank a three-point shot which increased USA’s lead over their opponents 24-12 during the latter stages of the opening quarter.
Promise Amukamara’s steal and layup reduced the gap to a single-digit, but even though Nigeria was making progress, every time they did so, the Americans countered with ease.
Finishing the first half with momentum, the US team went on a 14-4 run. Breanna Stewart contributed to this by hitting a three-pointer and making an uncontested layup in the last minute of play, increasing their lead to 52-33 before halftime.
Starting the third quarter with a 10-0 run, the US extended their lead to 76-46. However, Amukamara managed to make a steal and completed an impressive layup at the end of the same quarter.
Ultimately, the United States possessed an overwhelming amount of firepower. Nonetheless, the pioneering Nigerians – spearheaded by Amukamara’s 19 points and Kalu’s 16 points – left to a cheerful standing ovation from spectators.
Following their convincing victory over Serbia, Australia will be the next opponent for United States. Alanna Smith made an impressive contribution of 22 points and 13 rebounds to secure Australia’s win.
Having earned silver medals in 2000, 2004 and 2008, the Australians have secured a spot in the semi-finals for the first time after winning bronze back in 2012.
With a 58 percent shot accuracy in the first half, Australia dominated Serbia by outscoring them with 22-11 and taking permanent control of the game.
Smith said that in tournaments such as this, the beginning is indicative of how it will end, and they sought to be the first ones to take action.
Facing Tokyo bronze medallists France, Belgium will have a tough match ahead despite reaching the semi-finals for their first time.
Johannes led an impressive offensive performance, receiving ample support from Gabby Williams and Alexia Cherry as the hosts secured their place in the semi-finals.
With a 17-5 scoring run to start the second quarter, France gained control and ultimately led by up to 19 points in the fourth.
After being sidelined due to a head injury sustained during Germany’s opener, Nyara Sabally made a triumphant return by scoring 20 points.
Despite having led in three-point shooting throughout the group stage, the German team managed to connect on just four out of 14 attempts from beyond the arc due to France’s spirited defense.
As the final seconds dwindled down, Bercy Arena’s fans were already in a celebratory mood when an individual attempted to rush onto the court. However, security was quick to intercept and escort him away promptly.
