The United States women’s basketball team climbed to 2-0 in Olympic group play with an 87-74 win against Belgium on Thursday. Team USA has already secured a position in the knockout phase with one more match in Group C, against Germany on Saturday, with the opportunity to sweep the group.
Breanna Stewart led the United States with 26 points (including 9-for-10 free throws) and seven rebounds, followed by A’ja Wilson with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals. However, the bench may have made the difference in the game, as Team USA outscored Belgium’s reserves 31-11. Alyssa Thomas and Jewell Loyd both had eight points off the bench.
Despite being 23.5 points down, Belgium played a difficult game against the United States. Early on, U.S. defenders were hesitant to rotate, allowing shooters like Julie Vanloo free for outside shots. That provided space for Emma Meesseman, who led Belgium with 24 points.
Antonia Delaere made several clutch shots late in the fourth quarter to keep Belgium in the game, but mistakes sealed the victory for Team USA. She ended with 16 points.
The United States may also look back on this encounter and conclude that its blunders helped Belgium remain in the game. Team USA made 16 turnovers, seven of which were caused by Wilson, who was often attempting the tough pass and sometimes misjudging Belgium’s height or ability to step into a passing space.
However, the Americans’ improved defensive pressure drove Belgium into vital errors late in the game, allowing them to pull away with numerous fastbreak layups.
Though Belgium seemed to equal the United States in frontcourt height, the persistence of Wilson, Stewart, Thomas, and Napheesa Collier eventually gave Team USA a considerable lead on the boards. The United States outrebounded Belgium 48-28, including 16 offensive rebounds.
The United States will meet Germany in the last game of the group stage. Saturday’s tip-off is at 11:15 a.m. ET.
