The Olympic women’s basketball tournament’s knockout stage tipped off with today’s quarterfinal round, which determines whether Team USA will compete against the world’s best for an Olympic medal.
The US is still the frontrunner for gold, advancing past pool play on a 3-0 record and a point differential of +58.
History-makers Nigeria stand in Team USA’s way
In Team USA’s quarterfinal matchup, the seven-time Olympic champions will take on a team that’s making some history of their own: Nigeria.
In qualifying for the quarterfinals, Nigeria became the first African nation to ever reach the Olympic knockout rounds, finishing pool play with a record of 2-1. Nigeria’s success is a stunning turnaround from the Tokyo Olympics, where the team was eliminated after going winless through pool play.
Ezinne Kalu, who plays for Landerneau in France, has been Nigeria’s leading scorer in Paris, most recently pushing past Canada with 21 points.
Roster depth is key to USA’s Olympic success
Team USA will rely on their unyielding depth this afternoon, in addition to the combo play of two-time WNBA MVPs A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
The US will also lean on their stifling defense and consistent offense, averaging 92 points per game so far in Paris while only allowing 77 points per game from the opposition. And it goes beyond the starters: Team USA’s bench contributed 52 points in their pool play finale against Germany.
Three other contenders book Olympic semifinal spots
All eyes are now on the USA’s quest for a 59th-straight Olympic victory after today’s other three quarterfinals are officially in the books.
After securing a do-or-die win to reach the knockouts, Australia harnessed their momentum to win their quarterfinal game against Serbia 85-67, setting up a semifinal date with either the US or Nigeria.
Spain — the tournament’s only other undefeated team through pool play — were stunned by a powerful Belgian side this morning, falling 79-66. The Belgians will next contend in their first-ever Olympic semifinal with host country France, who downed Olympic debutants Germany 84-71 to advance this afternoon.
How to watch Team USA vs. Nigeria in the Olympic quarterfinal
Team USA squares off against Nigeria today at 3:30 PM ET, with live coverage across NBC networks.