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| D’Tigress Fall to USA in Olympic Quarter-Finals |
Nigeria’s D’Tigress faced a tough 74-88 defeat against the U.S. women’s basketball team in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday night.
Known for their physical play, Nigeria showed no signs of intimidation against the formidable Americans, matching them point for point in the early minutes.
Two-time WNBA MVP A’Ja Wilson led the U.S. with 20 points and 11 rebounds, helping the team aim for a record-breaking consecutive Olympic gold streak. Jackie Young contributed 15 points, while Breanna Stewart, another two-time WNBA MVP, added 13 points.
The U.S. will compete against Australia in the semi-finals on Friday, following the Opals' 85-67 victory over Serbia.
France defeated Olympic newcomers Germany 84-71, setting up a semi-final clash with European champions Belgium, who triumphed 79-66 over previously unbeaten Spain.
USA’s coach Cheryl Reeve was seen speaking to Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu in the final moments of the game at Bercy Arena in Paris on August 7, 2024. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP)
France, led by Marine Johannes with 24 points, thrilled the fans, but the United States remained the main attraction at Bercy Arena.
NBA stars LeBron James and Bam Adebayo were present courtside, supporting the U.S. team and witnessing the historic match against the first African team, male or female, to reach the Olympic basketball quarter-finals.
James and Adebayo, taking a break before their own semi-final against Serbia, were joined by swimming legends Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.
Diana Taurasi, aiming to become the first Olympic basketball player to win six gold medals, came off the bench to hit a three-pointer, putting the U.S. ahead 24-12 late in the first quarter.
Promise Amukamara’s steal and layup reduced the deficit, but the Americans responded with a strong run each time Nigeria gained momentum.
The U.S. closed the first half with a 14-4 run, with Breanna Stewart hitting a three-pointer and a layup in the final minute to extend the lead to 52-33 at halftime.
The U.S. started the third quarter with a 10-0 run, pushing their lead to 76-46 before Amukamara’s steal and coast-to-coast layup ended the quarter.
Nigeria’s Nicole Enabosi and Adebola Adeyeye reacted at the end of the game against the USA at Bercy Arena on August 7, 2024. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP)
Despite the loss, the trailblazing Nigerians, led by Amukamara with 19 points and Ezinne Kalu with 16 points, received a warm ovation from the fans.
Next for the U.S. is a semi-final against Australia, who were led by Alanna Smith’s 22 points and 13 rebounds in their win over Serbia.
The Australians, silver medallists in 2000, 2004, and 2008, reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2012, when they won bronze.
**‘Throwing the First Punch’**
Australia shot 58 percent in the first half, outscoring Serbia 22-11 in the second quarter to take control.
“In tournaments like this, how you start is how you finish, and we wanted to come out throwing the first punch,” Smith said.
Belgium, reaching the semi-finals for the first time, will face a challenging match against Tokyo bronze medallists France.
The hosts returned to the semi-finals impressively, with Johannes leading the offense supported by Gabby Williams and Alexia Cherry.
France took control with a 17-5 run to start the second quarter and led by as many as 19 points in the fourth.
Nyara Sabally, returning from a head injury in Germany’s opener, scored 20 points, but Germany struggled against France’s tough defense, hitting only four of 14 three-point attempts.
As the final seconds ticked down, fans at Bercy Arena celebrated, though a man attempted to rush onto the court but was quickly subdued by security.
