On July 29, the Olympic women’s basketball group stage match featured China against Spain.
Game Report
In the first quarter, Gustafson scored on a cut, followed by Sun Mengran scoring inside with an assist from Li Yu’er. Li Yu’er then scored in the paint, while Casasola made an uncontested layup. Li Meng assisted Li Yu’er for another score, which was answered by a three-pointer from Rodriguez. Sun Mengran scored in the paint, and Wang Suyu hit a counterattack shot. Li Yu’er then successfully defended Gustafson several times and made two free throws after drawing a foul. Li Yuan scored off a drive, and China led 14-9. After a timeout, Li Yu’er grabbed an offensive rebound and scored, followed by a three-pointer from Huang Sijing, giving China a 10-point lead. Spain scored consecutive free throws, and Wang Suyu hit a three-pointer. At the end of the first quarter, China led 22-13.
In the second quarter, Gustafson scored on a cut, and China had consecutive turnovers. Gustafson and Ortiz scored back-to-back, reducing Spain’s deficit to 19-22. After a timeout, Li Yu’er returned to the game. Zhang Ru hit a mid-range shot, and Gustafson continued to score. Huang Sijing hit a three-pointer, while Hill scored off her own miss. Li Meng drove to the basket and scored, and China led 29-23. Li Meng kept scoring, and Rodriguez responded with consecutive baskets. Casasola hit a mid-range shot, and Gustafson scored just before the buzzer. At halftime, China led 37-33.
In the third quarter, both teams started with missed shots and turnovers. Wang Suyu finally broke the scoring drought with a three-pointer. Casasola scored on a finger roll, and Casas scored, bringing Spain within 37-40. Li Yu’er drew a foul and made both free throws, followed by a layup from Sun Mengran. China led 44-37. Gustafson scored inside, and Li Yu’er responded with another basket! Hill hit a three-pointer, but Sun Mengran matched it with a three-pointer. Gustafson scored in the paint, and Li Yu’er made one of two free throws. Han Xu entered the game and scored off a floater. Rodriguez scored a mid-range shot, while Yang Liwei hit a three-pointer. China led 55-46. Ortiz and Afanho combined for five points, and Han Xu scored inside. Gustafson scored on a hook shot, and Han Xu scored again at the end of the quarter! At the end of the third quarter, China led 59-53.
In the fourth quarter, Ortiz made two free throws, followed by a three-pointer from Huang Sijing. Gustafson scored in the paint, and Han Xu continued to score. Gustafson scored again in the paint, but Li Meng responded with a three-pointer! China led 67-60. Rodriguez and Gustafson combined for five points, reducing China’s lead to two points, prompting a timeout. Upon returning, Rodriguez made a difficult reverse layup, and Li Yu’er scored in the paint. However, Rodriguez made all three free throws. Spain missed a shot, but there was a crucial out-of-bounds call. After multiple video reviews, the ball was awarded to China. Huang Sijing missed a three-pointer, but Li Yu’er grabbed the key offensive rebound. Li Meng drove and drew a foul, making both free throws. Spain missed a three-pointer, and Yang Liwei grabbed the rebound but only made one of two free throws. Casas completed a 2+1 fast break play, and Spain applied intense full-court pressure. Fortunately, the ball was passed to Li Meng, who was fouled. Li Meng made one of two free throws. Rodriguez hit a three-pointer and was fouled by Yang Liwei, but he missed the subsequent free throw, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Gustafson scored first, followed by two made free throws from Li Meng. Araujo hit a three-pointer, and Li Yu’er scored on a second-chance opportunity. However, Casasola scored on a layup, and Li Yu’er continued to draw fouls inside. Gustafson scored again, and Spain maintained a three-point lead. After a timeout, Li Yu’er made both free throws, but Gustafson scored again on a layup. Wang Suyu committed a critical turnover, and Casas drew a foul, making both free throws. Yang Liwei missed a forced shot, but Li Yu’er hit a three-pointer. China employed a foul strategy, and Rodriguez made one of two free throws. Li Yu’er scored on a layup, but time expired.
Ultimately, the Chinese women’s basketball team lost 89-90 to Spain.
Player Statistics
Spanish Women’s Basketball Team: Gustafson 29 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals; Rodriguez 25 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals; Casasola 8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 3 steals; Casas 8 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists; Ortiz 7 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal; Araujo 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Gil 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Torrens 2 points, 2 assists, 2 steals; Romero 2 rebounds;
Chinese Women’s Basketball Team: Li Yu’er 31 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist; Li Meng 13 points, 1 rebound, 11 assists, 2 steals; Sun Mengran 10 points, 1 rebound; Huang Sijing 9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Han Xu 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Wang Suyu 8 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists; Zhang Ru 4 points, 1 steal; Yang Liwei 4 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals; Li Yuan 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists; Wu Tingtong 1 rebound;
Starting Lineups
Chinese Women’s Basketball Team: Li Meng, Li Yu’er, Sun Mengran, Wang Suyu, Yang Liwei
Spanish Women’s Basketball Team: Casas, Casasola, Hill, Gustafson, Rodriguez