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The Americans burst out of the blocks, racing
into an impressive 12-point first-half lead that the Germans had
no hope of recovering from.
Jackie Young led the way for the U.S., with 19 points, four
rebounds and two assists.
Nigeria made history by seeing off Canada 79-70 to become the
first African team - men's or women's - to reach the last eight
in Olympic basketball.
Ezinne Kalu scored a game leading 21 points, while Elizabeth
Balogun got 14 points, four rebounds and an assist as the
African team powered into the knockout rounds despite finishing
third in Group B.
"We've been dreaming about this moment. We're showing that no
matter where you're from - African, European - we can compete.
It's been a long road and we're still going," Balogun said.
Belgium produced a spectacular performance to storm past Japan
85-58 and finish third in Group C, advancing to the quarters as
one of the two best third-placed teams.
Having lost their previous Group C games against the U.S. and
Germany, Belgium needed a win to stay alive and Emma Meesseman
secured it with an imperious performance, finishing with a
double-double of 30 points and 11 rebounds.
"It's a little miracle, I think. We knew it was going to have to
be a great number, almost impossible, because Japan is a great
team," Meesseman said.
The final match of the pool stage in Lille saw hosts France
beaten 79-72 by Australia.
The second quarter finished with both teams tied at 34-34, but
Australia, who needed to win to advance, then turned up the
heat, with Tess Madgen ending the night with 18 points despite
the desperate boos of the partisan home support.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Lille; Editing by Toby Davis) [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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