U.S. cruises past Nigeria to reach women's basketball semis

Field Level Media|published: Wed 7th August, 17:42 2024

Aug 4, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; United States forward A'Ja Wilson (9) shoots against Germany forward Satou Sabally (0) in the first half in a women’s group C game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

A'ja Wilson had 20 points and 11 rebounds as the United States beat Nigeria 88-74 on Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the women's basketball tournament at the Olympics in Paris, France.

The Americans, who are seeking their eighth consecutive gold medal and have now won 59 straight games in Olympic competition, will play Australia in Friday's semifinals. France will face Belgium in the other semifinal.

Jackie Young, made her first start in these Olympics -- replacing 42-year-old Diana Taurasi -- and scored 15 points for the Americans while Breanna Stewart added 13 and Brittney Griner tallied 11. Alyssa Thomas had six assists, six rebounds and three points in an all-around effort.

Promise Amukamara -- a New Jersey native, a product of Arizona State, and the younger sister of former NFL cornerback Prince Amukamara -- paced Nigeria with 19 points and three steals. Amy Okonkwo chipped in 17 points and seven rebounds, while Ezinne Kalu added 16 points.

Nigeria -- which was the first African team, men or women, to reach this stage of the Olympic tournament -- kept things close with the U.S. into the second quarter, trailing by just four points after a jumper from Kalu at the 6:33 mark.

The Americans then began to pull away, first with an 11-2 run. The stretch was highlighted by Kelsey Plum dishing a nifty assist to Wilson, who drove into the paint and wrapped a pass around a Nigerian defender to set her Las Vegas Aces' teammate up for an easy wide-open layup, putting the Americans up by 11 points with 4:10 to play in the half.

In the final 2:32 of the first half, the U.S. outscored Nigeria 10-2 -- powered by five points, two rebounds, a steal and an assist from Stewart -- taking a 19-point advantage into the break.

The Americans continued to pad that lead, starting the third quarter on a 13-3 run. The U.S. led by as much as 30 points, including when Kahleah Copper swished a 3-pointer on an assist from her

Phoenix Mercury teammate Taurasi with 40 seconds left in the third quarter.

On the glass, the U.S. outrebounded Nigeria 41-28. The Americans also had 31 assists on 34 made baskets.

--Field Level Media

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