USA sail past Senegal to ride out of Antwerp unbeaten

ANTWERP (Belgium) - Pushed to the limits by Belgium in their opener, USA still left the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Antwerp flawless after a one-sided 101-39 win against Senegal.

 

 

The victory followed that close call against the Cats last Thursday and Saturday night's big win against Nigeria as USA signed off on Belgian soil firmly on fire. 

Turning Point: Competing well and only 21-15 behind, Senegal probably thought they were doing well. Or at least that was until USA turned on the offensive tap and it was more like a flood after a 16-0 run saw them move firmly out of sight.

TCL Player of the Game: Rhyne Howard was too hot to handle for the Senegal defense as she saved the best until last with a fantastic 25 points as she lit it up from long-range.

Stats Don't Lie: Take your pick, since USA were utterly ruthless. One of the most impressive was their 12 of 29 three-point shooting compared to just 3 of 19 for their opponents. 

Bottom Line: USA engaged cruise control for the second game in a row and had few problems except from Senegal making it an interesting first five or six minutes.

Senegal came to beat Nigeria, just fell short but then were exposed against both USA and Belgium. But brighter times could still lie ahead - starting next year at the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025. 

They Said: "It is always great to be oversees and playing with this team. Building that chemistry and making adjustments in a short amount of time. It was fun and I am glad we got our ticket to Paris even if I know we already had it. It will be fun to be there." USA forward, Napheesa Collier

"We shared the ball with 26 assists and took care of it well with just 7 turnovers. Rhyne (Howard) was really impactful in just 15 minutes with her 25 points. That's just nuts and I am really happy for her." USA head coach, Cheryl Reeve

"It was a physical game. It is a great honor to be here and to be playing against the number one team in the world. I am happy wuth how my teammates fought. We never quit and we never stopped. Of course we are not happy with the loss." Senegal baller, Cierra Dillard

"First I want to congratulate my players. Not because of this game, but for the whole tournament. It was not easy. Mentally it was tough after the first loss with Nigeria as we had been really close." Alberto Carlos Antuna Leal

 
FIBA