USA defeats Nigeria to advance Australia to the semifinals.

After defeating Nigeria 88-74, the United States advanced to the semi-finals of the Olympic women’s basketball competition, continuing their march toward an eighth consecutive gold medal. On Friday, they take on Australia, who defeated Serbia 85-67, with a spot in the gold medal final on the line. Nigeria defeated Canada in their last group match on Sunday to become the first African team, male or female, to advance to the Olympic quarterfinals.

After registering a win on their Olympic debut in Athens in 2004, Nigeria had to wait 20 years for their second victory – beating Australia in their opening pool game on 29 July – but overcoming a vastly experienced USA was a step too far.

By the end of the first quarter, the team known as D’Tigress was behind the USA by nine points; by the end of the second quarter, that lead had grown to 19. In the third quarter, the USA took control of the game and built a 28-point lead before finishing the game comfortably at Accor Arena. In the twelve gold medals available for women’s basketball since its introduction at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, the United States has won nine of them. After defeating Germany and Spain, respectively, hosts France and Belgium will play in the other semi-final on Friday.

After defeating Germany and Spain, respectively, hosts France and Belgium will play in the other semi-final on Friday. Marine Johannes, who finished with a game-high 24 points, was crucial to France’s 84-71 triumph. France is hoping to complete the set with an Olympic gold on home soil after winning bronze in Tokyo 2020 and silver in London 2012. The women of Belgium made their Olympic debut in 2020, placing seventh, but after defeating Spain 79-66, they will undoubtedly be fighting for a medal in Paris. In the semi-finals on Friday, the two losing countries will compete for the bronze medal.