USA Defeats Senegal 101-39 to Close Olympic Qualifying Tournament

11 February 2024

USA 101, Senegal 39

The USA closed out the 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament with a 101-39 win vs. Senegal. The U.S. now has an overall 20-1 record in five Olympic Qualifying appearances dating back to 1976.

Today’s matchup was the seventh all-time between USA Basketball and Senegal, all at the senior level. The USA is now 7-0 against Senegal. The last meeting of the senior teams was an 86-67 USA win at the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Though the United States qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games following the gold medal finish at the 2022 World Cup, the USA participates in the quadrennial qualifying tournament. Three additional Olympic Qualifying Tournaments took place concurrently in Brazil, China and Hungary (Brazil still in progress). The U.S., as reigning World champions, and France, as Olympic hosts, were qualified going into the weekend, while the top three teams at each qualifying tournament, including the USA and France, qualify for the Olympics. As of the conclusion of tonight’s game, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Japan, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Spain and USA had punched 10 of the 12 tickets to France. For more information, click here.

View the USA-Senegal box score here.

TEAM NOTES

How it Happened: The game featured six early lead changes before the United States took control starting with a 9-0 run in the first quarter. Senegal led 9-8 with 6:38 to go in the period. The U.S. would lead 17-9 just over two minutes later.

For Starters: The U.S. utilized a new starting lineup including Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi and Alyssa Thomas. For the first time this week, all 12 team members saw game action and recorded points.

Hot Shot: After shooting 41.2% from the field in the opening game vs. Belgium, the USA hit at least 50% of its shots in the remaining two games. Tonight, the Americans shot 50% (34-68 FG, 12-29 3FG) from the field. Against Nigeria on Friday, the U.S. connected on 51.4% of their attempts (37-72 FG, 15-31 3FG).

On a Dime: The USA recorded assists on 26 of its 34 made fields goals tonight. Three players dished 4+ assists: Thomas (5), Stewart (4) and Collier (4).

Defensive: In their last two games, the USA locked down on defense, allowing 42.5 points per game on 27.3% shooting from the floor (33-121 FG, 5-37 3FG). The U.S. forced 21 turnovers and 12 steals on Friday and followed that effort with 20 turnovers (26 points off) and eight steals today. Collier added another four steals tonight to lead the team with 11 (3.7 spg) in three outings.

PLAYER NOTES

Phee-ling It: Collier averaged 19.0 points in three games and contributed 22 tonight (10-17 FG, 2-3 FT). Among all players, she ranked third in scoring, first in field goal shooting (.615, 24-39 FG) and first in steals (3.7). Collier is one of two players to record multiple 20-point games this week, joining Senegal’s Yacine Diop.

Hi Rhy: Rhyne Howard, playing in her first FIBA global competition, saw action against Nigeria and Senegal and averaged 19.5 points. With a game-high 25 points (8-12 FG, 4-7 3FG, 5-5 FT) tonight. Howard is one of five players in the tournament to enjoy a 20-point outing.

Top 10: Loyd and Howard joined Collier among the tournament’s leading scorers. Loyd finished the competition with nine points tonight to average 10.3 in three games, while Howard scored 25 points tonight to average 19.5 in two games.