October 04, 2024

USA survives France, captures eighth straight gold in women's basketball in Paris 2024

USA survives France, captures eighth straight gold in women
Photo (c) FIBA

Make it eight consecutive Olympic gold medals for USA.

The Americans extended their dominance in Olympic women’s basketball after overcoming France, 67-66, in Paris 2024 on Sunday, August 11.

Less than 24 hours since their male counterparts’ golden finish, USA remained untouchable, stretching not only its gold medal win since 1996 Atlanta, but also its win streak to 61-0 in the Games since 1992.

[RELATED STORY: Steph Curry, Team USA frustrate host France to seize 5th straight Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024]

In all, the World No. 1 squad improved its incredible run to 78-3 after occupying the podium ceaselessly for a total of 12 medals since the sport debuted in the quadrennial meet in 1976.

[ALSO READ: Ezi Magbegor drops 30 as Australia pips Belgium to clinch bronze]

This latest conquest for gold No. 10 did not come easy, though.

Team USA had to overcome a 10-point third quarter deficit and solve the puzzle that was France’s defense until the final buzzer in the taxing, swashbuckling contest.

[WATCH: Double-double for LeBron James helps USA keep its throne vs France | Paris 2024 highlights]

A’ja Wilson was at the forefront of USA’s attack with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks.

Struggling early on, Wilson got it going when her team needed her the most, scoring seven points in the fourth period including the split that gave the Americans a 63-59 edge with 17.6 ticks left.

But there is just no quit in world No. 7 and home team France.

Marine Johannes canned a pair of free throws before Gabby Williams swished a triple to threaten at 64-65.

USA, raring to protect its throne, responded behind Kahleah Copper's two pressure-packed shots from the foul line with only three seconds to go.

But in basketball at this level, those three ticks were an eternity.

It turned out, that time was enough for Williams to bank a jumper on top of the key at the buzzer.

Unfortunately for the French crowd at the Bercy Arena, her foot stepped inside the line.

Plum and Copper had 12 points apiece, including a combined 12-for-12 from the free throw line, for the Americans.

Meanwhile, Williams finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists in a heartbreaking repeat of France's loss to USA in the finals in London 2012.

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