The U.S. women’s basketball team secured their place in the quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics with an 87-74 win over Belgium.
Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson led the U.S. team with 26 and 23 points, respectively, maintaining their undefeated record. Emma Meesseman contributed 24 points, four rebounds, and three assists for Belgium.
The U.S. team has now extended their Olympic winning streak to 57 games. “Every Olympics is hard. You know, I can go back to the last five, and there’s always moments that are really hard for us as a team,” said American guard Diana Taurasi postgame, according to Doug Feinberg of The Associated Press. “And, you know, tonight was a really hard moment for us. And you know, we came through.”
Team USA led by as many as 14 points, but Belgium consistently responded to the Americans’ attempts to pull away. Antonia Delaere’s fourth three-pointer cut the U.S. lead to 68-61 with 6:07 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Belgium could not get any closer.
The Americans dominated the boards, outrebounding Belgium 49-27, including a plus-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. They also tallied 22 fast-break points and 13 second-chance points.
Team USA will conclude group play on Sunday against Germany, while Belgium will face Japan.
