Team USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Advances to Quarterfinals
The U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team has concluded group play with a commendable 2-1 record, securing their position in the quarterfinals after a decisive 62-52 win against Japan at Bercy Arena on Monday.
Lindsey Zurbrugg, who contributed 12 points to the win, praised the team’s performance: “We demonstrated excellent teamwork today. Japan proved to be a formidable opponent with their speed and strength, but our composure and unity in the closing moments were crucial to our success.”
The game began with a tight contest, but Team USA quickly established dominance, ending the first quarter with a 22-12 lead. They continued to build on this advantage in the second quarter, at one point stretching their lead to 18 points. However, Japan showcased their resilience by scoring seven unanswered points before halftime, reducing the deficit to 11.
Courtney Ryan, a two-time Paralympian, reflected on the team’s performance and future aspirations: “While we’re pleased with our offensive capabilities, there’s room for improvement in our defensive contact. We’re thrilled to advance to the quarterfinals and are approaching each game with focused determination.”
The second half exemplified basketball’s dynamic nature. Team USA extended their lead to 21 points in the third quarter, but Japan’s defensive efforts held them scoreless for the final five minutes of the period. Despite this, the U.S. maintained a comfortable 16-point lead entering the fourth quarter.
Although Japan outscored Team USA in the final frame, the late surge wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. The U.S. secured the victory with a final score of 62-52, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd at Bercy Arena.
Zurbrugg expressed her appreciation for the lively atmosphere: “The energy from the fans is incredible. It’s a stark contrast to the empty arenas during COVID, and it’s inspiring to showcase our skills for such an engaged audience.”
With group play concluded, Team USA now faces the heightened stakes of the knockout stages. All four women’s basketball quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Wednesday, with Team USA’s opponent and game time yet to be determined.
Ryan emphasized the team’s consistent approach to preparation: “Our focus remains unwavering. We’re here to win, and that requires both mental preparedness and physical conditioning for the challenges ahead.”
Zurbrugg echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of maintaining their established playing style: “We’ll continue to play our brand of basketball. There’s no need for drastic changes; we’ll rely on the strategies and teamwork that have brought us this far.”
As the tournament progresses, the pressure intensifies, but Team USA is embracing the challenge. Ryan encapsulated the team’s spirit: “We’re excited and ready to showcase our determination. Our focus and team cohesion will be key as we strive to advance further in the competition.”
The U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team now looks ahead to the quarterfinals, where they aim to continue their impressive performance and move one step closer to medal contention.