USA Women’s Basketball Advances to Semifinals
In a gripping quarterfinal contest at the Paralympic women’s wheelchair basketball tournament, Team USA emerged victorious with a 59-52 win over Great Britain at Bercy Arena. The match was characterized by intense, physical play and frequent lead changes, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the final minutes.
Rising Star Shines
Ixhelt Gonzalez, a 20-year-old emerging talent, played a pivotal role in securing the win for Team USA. Gonzalez delivered an outstanding performance, recording her first double-double of the Games with a game-high 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Teammate Rose Hollerman praised Gonzalez’s impact, stating, “She’s kind of our fire right now offensively. She comes off the bench with such intensity and composure, getting to the basket and providing the energy we need.”
Crucial Moments
The game remained tightly contested throughout, with Great Britain erasing a ten-point deficit in the third quarter to briefly take the lead. However, Team USA’s experience and composure shone through in the crucial final minutes.
A key play came when team captain Becca Murray connected with Gonzalez on a well-executed pick-and-roll, resulting in an uncontested layup that extended the U.S. lead to three points with just two minutes remaining.
Veteran Leadership
Murray’s leadership was evident both on and off the court. When the team faced offensive challenges, she responded with timely baskets and strategic play-calling. “I’ve been through these games before where it’s gotten close,” Murray reflected. “It’s just about maintaining that composure.”
Looking Ahead
With this hard-fought victory, Team USA advances to the semifinals, where they will face China on Friday. The team’s blend of veteran experience and young talent has proven effective thus far, and they’ll look to carry this momentum into the next round as they pursue Paralympic gold.