Sports

U. S. women's hoops squashes Nigeria, hits Olympic semis

.Brian Windhorst, ESPN Elderly Person WriterAug 7, 2024, 05:28 PM ETCloseESPN.com NBA article writer considering that 2010.Covered Cleveland Cavs for 7 years.Author of pair of booksPARIS-- The combo of A'ja Wilson and also Breanna Stewart has actually verified to be a devasting blend for the Staff USA ladies, relevant where there is a scenario cultivating that they might discuss the Olympics The majority of Belongings Gamer Award.But there is actually a brand-new duo arising, though not an astonishing one, that's proved to be a big improvement as the Americans work toward yet another gold medal.Las Las vega Aces allies Kelsey Plum as well as Jackie Youthful have boosted to be difference-makers in France and participated in essential jobs in Team USA's 88-74 triumph over Nigeria in the quarterfinals.It signified the team's 59th successive Olympic triumph as well as establishes a semifinal match against Australia, champions over Serbia Wednesday, on Friday at 3 p.m. ET.Jackie Young finished with double-digit points for the 2nd straight game, firing 60% from the area in the USA' win over Nigeria. CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockCoach Cheryl Reeve moved Youthful into the beginning sequence in place of professional Diana Taurasi against Nigeria, a staff known for participating in higher tension full-court protection that tests setting against guards.It was actually a perks after Young scored 19 points with 4 steals off the bench in the final swimming pool play activity versus Germany. She answered along with another excellent functionality, having fun with power at each points along with another Aces teammate, Chelsea Gray, in the backcourt.Young scored 15 factors and assisted hold the USA outburst early in the activity as the Americans got off to a little a sluggish start by their standards.Nigeria lagged through merely 4 points midway with the second quarter. That's when Reeve visited Plum, who was the 12th as well as ultimate player to enter the ready the Americans. Plum promptly modified the video game along with her passing away and also rate on the outrageous end, serving up 3 easy supports and also nailing a 3-pointer. Plum do with merely 6 factors however her six-minute change to complete the first one-half led to a plus-11 on the scoreboard to press the cause 19 at one-half. The USA then began the second fifty percent on a 15-0 operate and also the worry was done for the evening.Editor's Picks1 RelatedWilson and also Stewart, that came into the game balancing a matching 20.3 points every game, played their brand name of proficient oppressor sphere. Wilson placed in twenty points on 9-of-11 shooting along with 11 rebounds and also 2 blocks. Stewart had thirteen points on 5-of-7 firing with five rebounds as well as 3 assists.Brittney Griner came off the seat to credit rating 11 ideas on 4-of-5 firing. Those three interior markers incorporating for 16-of-21 is hard to beat.The U.S. entered into the video game averaging 29 supports as well as once again put on a ball-sharing center through constructing 31 more.Promise Amukamara led Nigeria, which cut the top to as low as thirteen in the 4th quarter, with 19 points. The video game ended with a little edge when the U.S.'s Kahleah Copper acquired a technological foul for throwing the reception at Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu after she scored in the last seconds.