PARIS, France — Former Oregon Duck Sabrina Ionescu and the U.S. women's basketball team started off their Olympic gold run in dominant fashion, beating Japan 102-76. Now they look to continue their form against Belgium on Thursday at noon PDT.
Against Japan, the U.S. started off slow, allowing Japan to knock down 3s and stay within reach the entire first half. However, the United States' size advantage over Japan eventually caught up, and the U.S. built its lead to more than 30 late in the second half.
Ionescu, the all-time leader at the University of Oregon in points, assists and 3-point field goals, proved to be Team USA's deadliest 3-point shooter against Japan, cashing in on three of Team USA's four 3-pointers during the game. The WNBA's current leading scorer, A'ja Wilson, showed why she's the MVP front-runner, dropping 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Belgium lost its opening Olympic game to Germany, 83-69. Former University of Oregon forward Satou Sabally led Germany with 17 points.
The Belgian team's leading scorer was Emma Meesseman, who dropped 25 points against Germany. Meesseman currently plays in the Women's Basketball Super League and EuroLeague Women. Before that, she played eight seasons in the WNBA, seven with the Washington Mystics and her final season in 2022 with the Chicago Sky.
Team USA is the heavy favorite in this game, as they are in nearly all international games. Just over a week ago, the U.S. beat Germany by 27, then Germany beat Belgium by 14 ... you can do the math from the power of transitive property.
This game will be far different for the U.S. than its last opponent, Japan, as the Japanese strategy was to shoot as many 3s as possible — 39 attempts to be exact — due to Japan's height disadvantage against the U.S.
Belgium matches up differently against the U.S. as they match up closer to the U.S. height.
If Team USA wants to win, they'll need to continue their game plan of getting the ball down low to Wilson and Breanna Stewart to get easy baskets. The U.S. will also need to shoot better from 3. As aforementioned, Ionescu scored three of Team USA's four 3-pointers against Japan, with the U.S. shooting 4 for 20 from deep.
Where to watch:
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
