Trailing by as many as 13 points in the second half, the USA Basketball Women’s National Team (1-0) earned an 81-79 win over host Belgium (0-1), with Aces guards Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young contributing 6 and 4 points, respectively, on Thursday night. Plum also dished out 3 assists and had 2 steals in 25 minutes.
As a team, the USA shot just 41.7% from the field and struggled from afar, connecting on 21.1% from behind the arc, while Belgium hit 50% of its field goal attempts and 41.4% from 3-point range.
Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier scored a team-high 23 points, had 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Julie Vanloo scored 19 to lead Belgium.
The USA continues 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament play February 9 against Nigeria (1-0) at 9:15 am PT and closes the weekend against Senegal (0-1) on February 11 at 10:15 am PT.