The USA demonstrated its huge talent as they cruised past Australia 85-64 to reach its eighth consecutive Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Final. The reigning champions will match up against France to replicate the men’s final that is set to take place tomorrow.
Australia competed well in the opening 10 minutes, despite a slow start. However, the USA opened up the second period with a 12-0 run, and that threw the contest wide open.
Stewart finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Wilson accumulated 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 big blocks. Young was the second-best scorer for Team USA with 14 points and 5 assists.
Sandy Brondello and her team can still finish in the top three and win the bronze meeting with the Belgium Cats, who lost to France in the other semi-final. Belgium and France went head-to-head in the Women’s Olympic Tournament semi-final in an epic game of runs that saw the hosts beat their opponents 81-75 in overtime.
Gabby Williams, who was the hero in overtime with nine points, iced the game for her country. She finished with 18 points in total—her highest ever tally at the Games. France went down 46-33 early in the second quarter but mounted a comeback to win the contest.
Valeriane Ayayi and Iliana Rupert stepped up, with the former registering 17 points and Rupert having her best game of the competition with 15 points and 7 boards. France and the USA will meet in the gold medal matchup on Sunday.
Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament schedule
10/8
12:30 Belgium vs. Australia
16:30 France vs. USA
