On August 9, the Olympic women’s basketball semi-final match between the Australian women’s team and the U.S. women’s team took place in Paris.
The U.S. women’s team started with a 14-4 lead, hitting 8 out of their first 12 shots, displaying a scorching shooting touch. After a timeout, Australia gradually improved their offensive situation, but due to too many turnovers, the U.S. team capitalized on counterattack opportunities to score consistently. At the end of the first quarter, the U.S. women’s team led 20-16, with Megan, who came off the bench for Australia, scoring 5 points.
In the second quarter, Australia’s shooting touch declined on offense. The U.S. team hit consecutive three-pointers to extend the lead to 14 points. Veteran Whitcomb scored a jump shot to stop the bleeding for Australia, but the U.S. women’s team efficiently utilized two-on-one situations to score easily, further widening the gap. At half-time, the U.S. women’s team led Australia 45-27.
U.S. Women’s Team: Stewart 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Yarn 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal; Collier 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals; Wilson 4 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Cooper 3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Griner 3 points, 2 rebounds; Lloyd 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Ionescu 3 points, 1 assist; Gray 2 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 2 steals; Thomas 2 rebounds;
Australian Women’s Team: Maddern 8 points; Whitcomb 5 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists; Melbourne 5 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal; Smith 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; George 3 points, 1 assist, 1 steal; Talbot 2 points, 3 rebounds; Jackson 1 rebound, 1 steal; Magbegor 4 rebounds, 1 steal;