PARIS (France) - The crowds have been huge, the competition intense and dazzling.
Now eight teams are in Paris, set to make a run at the medals.
While the USA marched through the Group C unbeaten, Spain also didn't lose a game but engaged in much closer battles. France and Germany clinched Quarter-Finals spots with two straight victories while Serbia, Nigeria, Australia and Belgium didn't seal their passage to Paris until the last day.
What is the outlook for each Quarter-Final? And which team or player that didn't make it to Paris impressed?
Our experts weigh in.
Jeff Taylor is a long-time FIBA writer, columnist and veteran FIBA Media play-by-play commentator.
Mike Taylor commentated alongside Jeff for FIBA Media at EuroBasket 2022 and at last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila. He coached Poland's national team for several years and is now at the helm of Winnipeg Sea Bears in Canada, where he was the CEBL Coach of the Year in 2023.
Azania Stewart has been a FIBA Media commentator since 2019 and is watching games in Paris. She represented Great Britain at the 2012 Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament, at FIBA EuroBaskets and at the Commonweath Games.
Mark Clark is a veteran coach and long-time commentator for FIBA Media.
Shona Thorburn is a FIBA Media commentator and has been watching games in Lille. She is two-time Canada Olympic point guard and a coach at French top-flight side Basket Landes.
Carlan Gay is a veteran journalist and FIBA Media commentator.
Serbia v Australia
Shona: I was worried about Australia heading into this Olympics. They struggled in exhibition games and right before the tournament lost one of their best players, Bec Allen. But, they have proven me wrong and have gotten better every game during the pool phase.
Sami Whitcomb is playing at an All-Star level
Sami Whitcomb is playing at an All-Star level and we still haven't seen the best of Ezi Magbegor. I think Australia will be too powerful and will win this one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Serbia coach Marina Maljkovic has something up her sleeve.
Mark: After an opening-day loss, it's almost a surprise to see Australia in the Quarter-Final action. Their win over France was huge. They dominated France in the paint and cleaned up the boards. That emphasis and a physicality to their defense will have to be evident if they are to beat Serbia, who are playing as hard as anyone in the tournament. Australia have momentum so take them to win.
Azania: For me, this is the hardest game to pick because neither team has played their best basketball yet, despite their struggles in the group stage. Both teams have solid veterans and fantastic head coaches, making this a chess match of coaching strategies and team coordination. I think the Opals will just about have enough to win.
Carlan: Australia was a team I expected to make the podium when we made our initial picks way back when. I won't lie to you, I had one foot off the bandwagon when Bec Allen went down with an injury and was ready to jump completely off after their shocking loss to Nigeria. I'm here to say, I'm back on the wagon baby!
Australia has found the confidence and the shooting touch they need from the field to get it done. They cruise past Serbia and will be playing for a medal in 2024.
Jeff: I'm shocked Australia have a pulse after their showing on opening day against Nigeria. You see what teams are made of in a crisis and now we know what the Opals are. If it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger. Serbia won't be pushed around by Australia. They will give as good as they get on the boards, on defense. This is going to be a battle!
And remember, eight years ago in Rio - also a Quarter-Final - Serbia edged Australia 73-71 en route to the bronze medal in Rio. The Opals beat Serbia when they hosted the FIBA Women's Basketball Cup in Sydney but this is the game with more significance. Tess Madgen and Cayla George were poor against Nigeria. They were brilliant against France. This is a different Opals team. I'll take them in a tight one.
Mike: This interesting matchup is a pick'em game. Australia has a slight edge statistically as Sami Whitcomb, Steph Talbot and the Opals bounced back from the opening loss to Nigeria to capture big wins over Canada and France. Serbia topped Puerto Rico and beat China before a hard-fought loss to Spain. Yvonne Anderson has led Serbia, who have won with defense and rebounding.
They rank second in steals at 11.7 per game and third on the boards. I see the Serbian toughness putting the team in position for an upset as the Opals 61 percent team free throw percentage and 21 turnovers per game (second most) proves costly. Serbia advances in a close, competitive game.
Spain v Belgium
Jeff: Talk about rising from the dead, miracles ... that's Belgium. This is the team that plays the beautiful game and it would have been a tragedy for them to exit short of the Quarter-Finals. They have the best all-round player in the world, Emma Meesseman, and a style that makes me want to watch every one of their games. Belgium are 1-2 after setbacks to Germany and USA, yet success is now there for the taking.
Spain are an awkward opponent. Their spirit, tradition and willingness to just go for it ... it all adds up to three wins so far. Miguel Mendez is a great coach. His timeouts always result in improved play. Spain have toughness. They have protagonists like Leonor Rodriguez that were once role players but are now go-to players. I see Belgium winning, and then making it to the Final for a rematch with the USA.
Mark: Outstanding performances by Spain to go to the Quarter-Finals. Megan Gustafson has been huge for them. But again, this is not the opponent they would have chosen. Belgium with MVP candidate Emma Meesseman have rebounded from an opening loss to outscore teams. The EuroBasket champions believe they should be in the Semi-Finals and will have too much offensive punch for Spain.
Arguably the best player in the Women's Olympic tournament has been Belgium's Emma Meesseman
Mike: Arguably the best player in the Women's Olympic tournament has been Belgium's Emma Meesseman, who starred with a 30-point, 11-rebound double-double against Japan. The group stage's leading scorer, Meesseman has been the driving force behind Belgium's successful run in recent years.
Last June in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Belgium beat Spain 64-58 to win Eurobasket 2023. Spain held a lead after three quarters before being outscored 21-10 in the fourth. Megan Gustafson and this Spanish team will dig deep on the Olympic stage to rise from the disappointment and bounce back for a big Quarter-Final win.
Azania: This is a rematch of the last EuroBasket, where Belgium came out on top. However, Spain has been in great form this Olympics, topping Group A and playing with newfound confidence. The addition of Megan Gustafson has significantly strengthened the Spanish team. This will be a heavyweight fight, especially with Emma Meesseman finding her form against Japan and getting the Wildcats back on track. I think Belgium has a deeper bench, which will help them reach the semifinals.
I can't bet against one of the best players on the planet, Emma Meesseman.
Carlan: I know Spain are 3-0 after group play but man do they look vulnerable. Belgium, on the other hand, was in a very difficult group but they did enough to get through. I can't bet against one of the best players on the planet, Emma Meesseman. I have Belgium sneaking through.
Shona: Belgium squeaked in, coming out of probably the toughest group. Spain, on the other hand, always figures out a way to win which we saw against China and Puerto Rico. That being said, I'm going to have to give the advantage to Belgium because they have the best player in the world, Emma.
Germany v France
Azania: Germany is on an impressive underdog run in these Olympic Games, playing with a fearless, physical mentality that could pose problems for France. However, the French have the advantage of the home crowd, which has been doing a wonderful job as the sixth man on the court.
I'm just not sure if it will be enough for France to make it over the finish line to the semifinals.
Carlan: I predicted that France would fail to claim a medal at home and I guess I kind of have to stick with that prediction right? Germany is making it easy, though. They've played terrific basketball and look to be peaking at the right time.
Mark: I thought France were looking good for the podium but their loss to Australia brought back the doubts. They were physically dominated by Australia who played harder. Germany have as much physicality as any team here so their inside options will worry France. But will Germany be brave enough to win? France are used to making it to the podium and are at home. A titanic struggle will see Germany hang on to win.
Shona: Germany has been very impressive during the group phase and we have only seen Nyara Sabally play one game. Imagine with the addition of her, Germany could have another upset in this competition. However, France is playing at home and their athleticism and depth will be hard for Germany to compete against for 40 minutes. I would love to see Germany continue to make history, but I'm going to have to go with the home team, France.
Jeff: Germany are the most improved team in women's basketball. For starters, they hire an experienced coach, Lisa Thomaidis, and she steers them to sixth place at the EuroBasket Women and to the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Brazil. Secondly, Germany have the best player in international basketball that a lot of people had not heard of before last year's EuroBasket, the total package that is Leonie Fiebich! Then, the superstar decides to play, Satou Sabally. And finally, Germany add an elite point guard in Alexis Peterson. Even better, one of the best young talents in Europe, Frieda Buhner, joins the team after an All-Star Five performance at the U20 European Championship. Germany already had an outstanding center and leader, Marie Guelich. This team is chasing a medal and is a major hurdle for France to clear.
I think the pressure is too much for the hosts
I thought France were locked in for at least a bronze but after their loss to Australia? I think the pressure is too much for the hosts. I'll go with Germany to win.
Mike: Potentially, the most competitive Women's Quarter-Final, France and Germany has the makings of a one-possession-game classic. There will be no surprises between the two teams and Germany will look to Satou Sabally and the team's quality three-point shooting to make the difference. Gabby Williams leads France, who registered back-to-back wins over Canada and Nigeria before falling to Australia.
Look for home court and home country advantage to be the biggest factor in Paris as France edges Germany to advance to the next round.
Nigeria v USA
Mark: Nigeria have had a great tournament and their reward is the game with the gold medal favorites. USA are getting better every game and have too much of everything for Nigeria to score enough points. Nigeria will hang around but expect USA to run away with this in the second half.
Azania: This is a tough draw for Nigeria because if they were up against anyone else, I would say they could fight for a medal. But the USA is too strong and go 12 players deep. They will overpower the AfroBasket champs.
What a story Nigeria has been at the Olympics!
Carlan: What a story Nigeria has been at the Olympics! No matter what happens from here on out, they've made history and have laid the foundation for the future of African basketball on the world stage. Now they get to see how far they have left to go against the best team on the planet. Nigeria keeps it close for a half, but USA make it look easy in the second half.
Jeff: What a shame that Nigeria go 2-1 in the Group Phase to make history as the first African team, men's or women's, to reach the Quarter-Finals, only to then be drawn to face a virtually unbeatable USA. Or maybe it's not a shame, but an opportunity? Show the world what you have, D'Tigress. Everyone will be watching! The Americans have so much talent, that it's hard to pick their best player! USA will roll to victory in the second half.
Shona: Another surprise team at this Olympics has been Nigeria. Coach Rena Wakama has her team playing on a different level than we have seen in the past. Unfortunately, they’re crossing with the best team in the world and arguably two of the best players in the world in Brenna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. Let's not forget the GOAT, Diana Taurasi, who's a six-time Olympian, along with several other weapons on their roster. Have to go with USA.
Mike: The Cinderella ride and heart-felt storyline of Nigeria winning their way to the Quarter-Finals, becoming the first African team to reach the knock-out stage, is worthy of praise. But the luck of the draw brings this fairytale to an early end as Nigeria face USA. Behind stars Breanna Stewart and A'ja Wilson, USA have averaged a tournament-best 92 points per game, shot 49 percent from the floor and averaged 49 rebounds per game. Ezinne Kalu and Nigerian teammates have led the group stage in steals with 13.3 per game but also managed only 69.3 points per game. USA will roll to a big win, but Nigeria will have their spotlight moment, showing potential for a bright future for the African nations.
Which team or player did you love in the Group phase that has not advanced?
Azania: The Tokyo silver medalists Japan fell short of their Olympic goals, failing to reach the finals and going 0-3 in a tough group stage. However, I really enjoyed the veteran offensive play of Maki Takada and the amazing speed of Saori Miyazaki.
Mark: The team I'm sorry to see miss out is Japan. In my opinion, they would have qualified from another group. Their tempo is great fun for the crowd to watch.
Jeff: Puerto Rico surprised me. Their 0-3 record masks how well they played, at least in the first couple games, which they could have won with a little luck, against Serbia and Spain. It's one thing to qualify for the Olympics but something else to win there so they need to take the positives from experience and take another step forward at the Women's World Cup. I hope we see them in Los Angeles in four years.
Carlan: This may be biased but Natalie Achonwa left it all out there for her country. No Canadian has appeared in more Olympics than her four. No Canadian has played in more Olympic games than her 18. Achonwa donned the red and white 79 times in FIBA and Olympic competitions, second all-time for Canada. She would've wanted to go out a winner, but she went out capturing the heart of a nation instead. Thank you, Natalie. Canadian basketball will forever be indebted to you.
[Nat Achonwa] will go down as one of the best to have ever represented Canada.
Shona: I'm very disappointed for Canada and Nat Achonwa. I know that she had high hopes coming into this competition and never imagined her career ending this way. She will go down as one of the best to have ever represented Canada.
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