Team USA women's basketball vs. Belgium score: Breanna Stewart leads Americans to Paris Olympics quarterfinals (2024)

End of 3Q: United States 60, Belgium 53

Belgium is not done yet and the crowd is loving it. The United States leads by seven at the end of the third quarter, but the Belgians showed a lot of fight and outscored the Americans 15-14 in this 10-minute period. Emma Meesseman is currently leading all scorers with 20 points, while Breanna Stewart leads the Americans with 19.

The crowd erupts as Belgium cuts the deficit to just four points at 46-50 with about four minutes into the third quarter. The Belgians have turned up the heat defensively and are currently outscoring the U.S. 8-4. Emma Meesseman has six of those points, and she currently leads all scorers with 18 points.

Team USA assistant coach Mike Thibault on the USA Network broadcast when asked about the amount of Belgian fans in the arena: "Sometimes the hostile crowd gets your juices going too."

Halftime: United 46, Belgium 38

The Americanas dominated the first half of the second quarter while holding their opponents to just six points. The Belgians fought back and started cutting into the lead, so the U.S. cannot get too comfortable after the break.

Breanna Stewart is leading all scorers with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Meanwhile, A'ja Wilson already has a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the Americans not having the size advantage they had against Japan, they are still outrebounding Belgium 30-11, including 18-8 on the defensive glass.

Belgium is being led by Emma Meesseman with 12 points, followed by Julie Vanloo's nine points

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, is impressed by Breanna Stewart's performance.

"Stew anyone?!!" she said.

A 3-pointer by Jewell Loyd gives the Americans their first double-digit lead of the game at 40-29 with 4:46 remaining in the first half. Breanna Stewart remains perfect going 5-for-5 from the field while leading all scorers with 13 points. The U.S. is shooting 50% while holding Belgium to under 40% and just six points in this quarter.

Julie Vanloo helped Belgium heat up with her own 8-0 run in the first quarter. At the age of 31, Vanloo is in the middle of her WNBA rookie season with the Washington Mystics. Others around the league are taking notice.

"Julie vanloo so tuff dawg," said Indiana Fever's NaLyssa Smith.

End of 1Q: United States 23, Belgium 23

Today's challenge is proving more difficult for the United States. Jewell Loyd attempted to give the Americans the lead as the clock was running out but her 3-point attempt was unsuccessful. Team USA will need to find some momentum if they want to pull away and not deal with an upset scare.

The Belgians came out with a lot of energy and their size is definitely giving the Americans some struggles. Team USA was successful against Japan by limiting turnovers, but after the first 10 minutes the Americans have five turnovers and just five assists. Breanna Stewart leads the squad with 11 points going a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor.

Team USA's Breanna Stewart has already reached 11 points by going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field. Meanwhile, Julie Vanloo is heating up for Belgium. Her personal 8-0 run gives Belgium a 19-17 lead with under three minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The United States had a clear size advantage during their opener against Japan. However, the Americans won't have that luxury against Belgium today.

United States starting lineup

• Breanna Stewart
• Diana Taurasi
• A'ja Wilson
• Chelsea Gray
• Napheesa Collier
  

Belgium starting lineup

• Emma Meesseman
  
• Antonia Delaere
• Elise Ramette
• Kyara Linskens
• Julie Vanloo