Team USA’s women’s team will play for an eighth consecutive gold medal on Sunday.
The American women beat Australia 85-64 on Friday for consecutive win No. 60 in Olympic competition, extending their record. An eighth consecutive gold medal if the Americans beat host nation France on Sunday would break a tie with the American men for the most consecutive gold medals in basketball at the Olympics. The men won seven straight golds from 1936-68.
Washington’s all-time leading scorer Kelsey Plum had a quiet game off the bench for the Americans, scoring both of her points from the free throw line in 11 minutes. Plum also had an assist but turned the ball over three times, primarily playing once the game had already been decided.
Breanna Stewart led the USA in scoring with 16, adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists. A’ja Wilson added 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks, and Plum’s other Las Vegas Aces teammate Jackie Young chipped in another 14 points.
Washington was also represented on the Australian side with starter Sami Whitcomb, who went 2-for-9 from the field and 1-for-7 from three-point range as the Aussies tried to play catch-up. She finished with 5 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds in 25 minutes.
Australia will face off with Belgium on Sunday for the bronze medal. If Whitcomb and company lead the Opals to a win in that game, the Huskies will clinch a school record with medal No. 13 at these games since Plum is guaranteed at least a silver. Washington’s rowing program racked up 11 medals during the regatta last week.
Australia and Belgium tip off at 2:30 am Pacific time on Sunday for the bronze, followed by the gold medal game between the US and France at 6:30 am Pacific time.
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