Before the Paris Olympics began, Group C in the women’s 5×5 basketball competition didn’t seem very compelling, but that’s why we play the games. We’ve had some surprisingly competitive games, and a few countries have been impressive.
Still, the more things change, the more they remain the same.
Belgium pushed Team USA, staying in the game for most of the contest before the Americans ended things in the fourth and won 87-74. Germany continues outperforming its FIBA ranking, beating Japan 75-64 and remaining undefeated in Paris. Team USA and Germany have now officially clinched spots in the quarterfinals, entering the final games of the group stage.
Team USA, human after all?
Yes, they’ve won 57 games in a row and haven’t lost an Olympic game since 1992. However, two games in, Team USA has looked… human? They are still the favorites to win the gold and still dominant, but they are no longer an infinitely tall mountain no one can climb.
Belgium, which shares a border with France, had what sounded like a home crowd in Paris. The energy was palpable and expanded beyond the stadium to my Southern California home. A crowd can help, but it can only take you so far. You have to play well for the crowd to matter, and Belgium held up their end of the bargain. Emma…
