The ladies’s 5×5 basketball competitors could also be one the place Workforce USA is within the driver’s seat, however there’s nonetheless lots to play for, and the opening slate of video games in Group A proved why. The expertise all around the globe within the girls’s sport continues to enhance, and which means parity is paramount.
Each opening Group A video games have been as shut as attainable, with Spain beating China 90-89 in extra time and Serbia avoiding catastrophe by surviving a fourth-quarter surge by Puerto Rico to come back out victorious 58-55. After in the future of motion, Serbia leads the group and Spain is second, adopted by China and Puerto Rico.
With only one sport down, Group A is way from determined as we head into the subsequent set of video games. Here’s a recap of the earlier contests and a take a look at the upcoming matchups.
Li Yueru almost bests Spain
China pushed Spain to absolutely the restrict, shedding by only a level in extra time. Yueru had an distinctive sport, imposing her will on the Spaniards as she scored 31 factors within the defeat.
The one girl in Chinese language Olympic basketball historical past to attain extra factors in a sport than Li Yueru did right now (31) is Zheng Haixia who scored 32 towards Workforce USA Sept. 25, 1998.
— LA Sparks PR (@LASparksPR) July 28, 2024
It wasn’t sufficient, as Spain’s Megan Gustafson led the best way with 29 factors, eight rebounds, and 4 steals, whereas Leonor Rodriguez stepped up huge with 25 factors. Spain is way from secure, however the win is essential, and whereas China misplaced, there is no motive to assume they’re accomplished on this group.
Serbia has a scare
Serbia was within the driver’s seat up 55-36 heading to the fourth quarter. Then their offense went ice chilly, and Puerto Rico went on a tear. They outscored Serbia 19-3 within the ultimate 10 minutes. Puerto Rico not solely made it aggressive, however, with 23 seconds left, that they had the ball down two factors with an opportunity to tie or take the lead.
It took a Dragana Stanković block on Pamela Rosado to finish the comeback and safe the outcome.
Neither workforce is favored to dominate Group A, however Serbia is a step nearer to development with a win. The victory provides them a bonus over Spain with a +3 level differential versus Spain’s +1, placing Serbia on the high of the group.
What to observe on Wednesday
Puerto Rico will tackle Spain at 5 a.m. ET (Peacock) on Wednesday, so make sure you set your clock. Spain can be closely favored and will make fast work of Puerto Rico, given the depth, high quality and expertise they’ve on the roster. Spain took on a tricky problem versus China, however Puerto Rico would not have that form of firepower.
Serbia will play towards China at 7:30 a.m. ET (Peacock) in a sport with big implications for the group standings. Serbia controls its future, however can it comprise Yueru and Han Xu down low and earn the upset win? Or will China show they’re the workforce to beat and earn a press release win?
If Serbia comes out victorious, that may all however punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. A defeat, nonetheless, makes issues very attention-grabbing. They solely have a +3 level differential heading into Wednesday’s motion, so even when they lose, it is crucial the sport is shut if they need a shot at one of many high two spots in Group A.
Sport info
Puerto Rico vs. Spain
When: Wednesday, July 31 at 5:00 a.m. ET
The place: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
Tips on how to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com
China vs. Serbia
When: Wednesday, July 31 at 7:30 a.m. ET
The place: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
Tips on how to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com
