Breanna Stewart contributed 16 points leading the U.S. women’s basketball team to secure a spot in their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal game. The American team defeated Australia with a score of 85-64, extending their remarkable Olympic winning streak to 60 games. Next, they will face either France or Belgium on Sunday in the quest to claim an eighth consecutive gold medal, a feat that would establish a new record. The U.S. women’s team aims to surpass the American men’s program that previously won seven gold medals in a row from 1936 to 1968. If the U.S. wins on Sunday, it would mark a historic sixth gold medal for Diana Taurasi, the team’s most decorated Olympic basketball player.
Taurasi didn’t start the game against Australia but entered in the third quarter as the U.S. held a significant lead. The Americans dominated early on, leading 20-16 after the first quarter, and further solidified their position with a commanding 12-0 run in the second quarter to enter halftime with a 45-27 lead. Throughout the second half, Australia struggled to narrow the gap, allowing the U.S. to maintain control of the game.
Apart from Breanna Stewart’s impressive performance, Jackie Young scored 14 points, Kahleah Copper added 11, and A’ja Wilson contributed 10 points for the American team. On the Australian side, Isobel Borlase led with 11 points, while Tess Madgen and Ezi Magbegor each scored 10 points.
The U.S. women’s basketball team’s victory over Australia sets the stage for an exciting gold medal showdown as they continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.
