The USA emerged victorious in the women’s basketball tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday, defeating Nigeria 88-74, Australia-Serbia 85-67, Belgium-Spain 79-66, and France-Germany 84-71.
The USA will face Australia in the semifinals on Friday, while France will take on Belgium.
Both the Australian and Belgian national teams struggled in the early stages of the tournament but secured their quarterfinal berths with their final group matches.
The Australian women’s team exacted revenge on the Serbians for the men’s defeat. Notably, the Australian basketball players had previously squandered a 24-point advantage in the men’s quarterfinals.
Both the USA and France advanced to the semifinals of both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
Changes from Previous Olympics
Unlike the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where two of the four teams that reached the top four finished in the semifinals, only one team from the current tournament has advanced that far.
The US national team secured their seventh consecutive gold medals in Tokyo, while France claimed the bronze awards. The Australian team last reached the semifinals at the 2012 London Games and later won bronze medals.
The Belgian national team, the European champion, will make their maiden appearance in the Olympic semi-finals.
American Women’s Performance
Yvonne Anderson, a naturalized American playing for Serbia, struggled in the tournament, contributing little to their cause. She often proved a liability rather than an asset.
Meanwhile, Spanish naturalized American Megan Gustafson was the team’s standout player, scoring 21 points and averaging 18 points and 9.3 rebounds throughout the tournament.
Quarterfinal Results
Australia defeated Serbia 85-67. Key scorers: A. Smith (22), A. Dugalič (14), and J. Melbourne (18).
Belgium defeated Spain 79-66. Top scorers: E. Meesseman and K. Linskens (19 each).
France defeated Germany 84-71. Leading scorers: M. Johannes (24) and G. Williams (15).
Japan defeated Nigeria 88-74. Top scorers: A. Wilson (20) and J. Young (15).