USA nip Belgium in Olympic Qualifying Tournament thriller

USA - Belgium 81-79

USA gained the opening win at the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Antwerp. They came from behind late in regulation to upset hosting Belgium at the Sportpaleis tonight. Breanna Stewart (193-F-1994, college: UConn) sank a layup with three-seconds left in regulation to seal the win.
Belgium posted a 19-15 lead ten minutes into the game. The hosts kept their foot on the pedal in the second frame. Belgium accumulated a 43-34 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third frame. Belgium secured a comfortable 9-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Belgium were up by two points with under three minutes to go. But Jewell Loyd (178-PG-1993, college: Notre Dame) sank two free throws to tie things up. Maxuella Lisowa-Mbaka (178-F-2001, agency: LBM Management) gave Belgium a 79-77 advantage but Napheesa Collier (191-F-1996, college: UConn) responded with a jumper to draw things even again. Belgium missed several key three-point attempts and got punishes as Breanna Stewart converted a late layup to ice the win. Napheesa Collier chipped in 23 points, while Thomas Alyssa (188-F-1992, college: Maryland) posted 14 points for the USA. Julie Vanloo (172-PG-1993) answered with 19 points, while Maxuella Lisowa-Mbaka produced 17 points in the defeat.