USA Records 100-46 Win over Nigeria in Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament

09 February 2024

USA 100, Nigeria 46

The USA Basketball Women’s National Team continued its 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament with a 100-46 win over Nigeria.

The USA led 19-13 at the end of the first quarter. Over the course of the second quarter, the red, white and blue steadily built upon that margin and took a 51-20 lead going into halftime. The Americans would outscore the opposition 32-7 in the second stanza.

View the USA-Nigeria box score here.

Today’s matchup was the fifth all-time between USA Basketball and Nigeria, all at the senior level. The USA is now 5-0 against Nigeria. The last meeting of the senior teams came in the opening game of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo with USA winning 81-72.

The Americans will close the tournament Sunday vs. Senegal at 1:15 p.m. ET live on Courtside 1891. The U.S. have a 5-0 series advantage, all at the senior level, and most recently recorded an 87-67 win over Senegal at the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Though the United States qualified for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games following the gold medal finish at the 2022 World Cup, the USA participates in the quadrennial qualifying tournament. Three additional Olympic Qualifying Tournaments are taking place concurrently in Brazil, China and Hungary. The United States, as reigning World champions, and France, as Olympic hosts, are qualified while the top three teams at each qualifying tournament, including the USA and France, will qualify for the Olympics. For more information, click here.

TEAM NOTES

Let’s Get it Started: The U.S. utilized an entirely new starting lineup including Ariel Atkins, Aliyah Boston, Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young.

Shoot Your Shot: After shooting 41.2% from the field in the opening game vs. Belgium, the USA found its shot against Nigeria and connected on 51.4% of their attempts (37-72 FG, 15-31 3FG). Their 5 first half 3-pointers were one more than they hit in the game on Thursday.

Taken: The Americans forced 21 turnovers resulting in 26 points off those takeaways. Combining for 12 steals, the USA was led by Collier’s 4. She leads the team with 7 total over two games.

The USA’s defense was solid overall, holding Nigeria to 27.7% from the field (18-65 FG, 2-18 3FG) and allowing just one player to hit double-digits (Murjanatu Musa, 13).

PLAYER NOTES

Stupendous Subs: The USA’s bench combined for 68 points, led by Jewell Loyd (18) and Rhyne Howard (14) in double figures.

Crown Jewell: Loyd has represented the United States in 26 FIBA senior international games, averaging 5.9 points. She led her squad with 18 points (7-11 FG, 3-5 3FG, 1-2 FT), marking a USA career high. Her previous best was 14 points vs. Belgium to open the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Going Global: Boston and Howard made their global competitive debuts today after having previously played in the 2021 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. In the start, Boston recorded two points, three rebounds and a pair of steals in 23 minutes. Howard came off the bench and contributed 14 points (5-10 FG, 4-8 3FG), four rebounds and a pair of steals.