United States women’s basketball defeats Nigeria 88-74 in Paris 2024 Olympics quarterfinal

The United States women’s basketball team coasted to another victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, defeating the Nigerian national team 88-74 in the quarterfinal round.

Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson combined for 33 points as Team USA advances to the semfinals in the hopes of winning an eighth-straight Olympic gold medal.

Team USA didn’t quite lead by double digits after the first quarter, ending the first period leading 26-17. Nigeria cut the US lead to as few as six points early, but a strong back stretch to the second quarter pushed the lead to 19 by halftime.

Nigeria was outscored 24-15 in the third quarter as the United States’ lead ballooned up to as many as 30 points before the start of the final period.

Team USA started the fourth quarter sloppily out of the gates. Three turnoveres led to a 7-2 start in favor of the Nigerians, and after the Americans emptied their bench they came came back from a 30-point loss to lose by just 14.

Team USA will now play Australia in the semifinals as they look to defend their Olympic gold medal record and continue their Olympic-record with a 60th straight victory in Olympic play. Belgium vs. France is the other semifinal matchup.

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