Paris 2024: Spain hold off determined Puerto Rico to gain second straight win

Puerto Rico - Spain 62-63

Laura Gil (190-C-1992) converted two free throws with 2 seconds remaining in regulation and Spain got away with a tough victory over Puerto Rico in their second game at the 2024 Olympic Games. Megan Gustafson (193-C-1996, college: Iowa) scored 17 points as Spain improved at 2-0 record atop of Group A.
It looked like an easy stroll for Spain in the first half. The European powerhouse asserted their dominance early on taking an 18-9 lead after ten minutes. They extended the margin at 14-point mark at the interval 39-25. But Puerto Rico stormed back into the game in the third frame. They held Spain to just 5 points in the quarter to tie things up at 44 heading into the fourth frame. The teams went neck and neck throughout the final stanza. Mya Hollingshed (190-F-1999, college: Colorado) gave Puerto Rico a 62-61 lead with 10 seconds left in regulation. But Laura Gil came up with a key offensive rebound on the other end and then converted crucial free throws to seal the win for Spain. Leonor Rodriguez-Manso (180-G-1991, college: FSU) delivered 17 points for the winners. Arella Guirantes (181-PG-1997, college: Rutgers) answered with 15 points, while Mya Hollingshed added 10 points and 12 rebounds in the defeat.