By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
The final day of the 2024 Paris Olympic women’s basketball tournament Group Phase was one for the ages.
Nigeria took down Canada 70-79 to advance from Lille to Paris, becoming the first African team (women or men) to reach the Olympic Quarterfinals.
Ezinne Kalu pulled the strings in the historic victory with 21 points, while Elizabeth Balogun stepped up with 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
They are set to face the undisputed favorites for the gold, Team USA, in the Top 8, after the United States secured a perfect group phase score with a 68-87 win over Germany.
Jackie Young highlighted USA’s depth by scoring 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals in her best game to date.
Belgium secured a spot in the Quarterfinals with a miraculous win over Japan. They recorded an 85-58 victory to advance, and this was their sole win in the Group Phase.
The brilliant Emma Messeman led the way with 30 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks for an impressive PIR of 40.
Therefore, Belgium is set to face Spain in the knockout phase, while Japan finished the tournament winless.
Last but not least, Australia pulled off an upset by defeating hosts France 79-72, pushing Nigeria to third place in Group B and eliminating China from quarterfinal contention.
Tess Madgen played her best game in Lille, scoring 18 points, while Sami Whitcomb had an all-around performance, scoring 12 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
Australia will face Serbia, and France will go against Germany in the Quarterfinals.
2024 Paris Olympics – Women’s Quarterfinals (07/08):
Serbia – Australia (11.00 CET)
Spain – Belgium (14.30 CET)
Germany – France (18.00 CET)
Nigeria – USA (21.30 CET)