Categories: Trending now

Team USA men’s wheelchair basketball beats Spain in Paralympics opener

2024-08-30 13:30:02

PARIS — In a rematch of their two previous encounters this summer in which the United States emerged victorious by scores of 61-57 and 70-65, Team USA once again edged out Spain, 66-56, in a closely contested Paralympic opener in Bercy Arena on Thursday afternoon.

“We’re talking about the best of the best right now,” Team USA’s Trevon Jenifer said of the two teams. “This is the biggest tournament we have so we know we’re going to get a team’s best shot out here, so we had to come out and take care of business. Spain gave us some really good play for our first game.”

The game stayed close early as the two teams traded the first four baskets before Jake Williams knocked down back-to-back threes to put the Americans up 10-6 less than four minutes into the game. 

After a second chance basket from Jennifer, Spain connected on a 3-pointer that cut the deficit to just one and nearly took the lead, but missed the layup to end the opening frame 18-17 in favor of the Americans.

Williams was everywhere on the court scoring eight points, and adding two rebounds and two assists in just the first quarter. 

2024 Paris Olympics: Follow USA TODAY’s coverage of the biggest names and stories of the Games.

The second quarter picked up right where the first left off, with Jenifer scoring a quick two points before Spain took the points right back, grabbing its first  lead with 5:25 left to play in the period. However, Bell immediately banked one off the glass to retake the lead at 24-23. 

While that was Spain’s only lead, the United States was unable to pull away more than two possessions, fighting their way to a 32-29 advantage going into the break.

“Spain is an all-world team,” five time Paralympian and team captain Steve Serio said. “We knew that Spain always brings it. They are not an opponent that you can overlook. We definitely have a lot of room to grow, but we’ll go back and look at the game tape and get better.”

The third quarter saw Team USA begin to pull away when Serio’s and-one play at the 7:36 mark gave them a 36-29 lead. Spain continued to fight back, but the Americans maintained a comfortable margin. Jennifer’s fast break score with 3:01 remaining in the period extended the lead to eight.

Team USA took a 46-40 lead into the fourth quarter before Spain made a late push, cutting the lead to just one possession with just over six minutes remaining. However, the Americans held on, securing the victory with a final score of 66-56.

Jake Williams led the way with 22 points and seven assists, but said that this is just the start.

“Everyone’s excited to get the first game going,” Williams said. “We play Spain a lot at these tournaments so we know what to expect.”

The victory sets Team USA up well for the remainder of the group stage as they will play the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.

News Today

Recent Posts

Kareena Kapoor’s Next Untitled Film With Meghna Gulzar Gets Prithviraj Sukumaran On Board

Kareena Kapoor is working with Raazi director Meghna Gulzar for her next film. The project,…

14 hours ago

Purdue basketball freshman Daniel Jacobsen injured vs Northern Kentucky

2024-11-09 15:00:03 WEST LAFAYETTE -- Daniel Jacobsen's second game in Purdue basketball's starting lineup lasted…

14 hours ago

Rashida Jones honors dad Quincy Jones with heartfelt tribute: ‘He was love’

2024-11-09 14:50:03 Rashida Jones is remembering her late father, famed music producer Quincy Jones, in…

14 hours ago

Nosferatu Screening at Apollo Theatre Shows Student Interest in Experimental Cinema – The Oberlin Review

2024-11-09 14:40:03 A silent German expressionist film about vampires accompanied by Radiohead’s music — what…

15 hours ago

What Are Adaptogens? Find Out How These 3 Herbs May Help You Tackle Stress Head-On

Let's face it - life can be downright stressful! With everything moving at breakneck speed,…

15 hours ago

The new Mac Mini takes a small step towards upgradeable storage

Apple’s redesigned Mac Mini M4 has ditched the previous M2 machine’s SSD that was soldered…

15 hours ago