Spain rallied to secure a nail-biting 90-89 overtime victory against China in their opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s basketball tournament.
The keenly contested clash saw thrilling performances from both teams.
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The last quarter was intense, with the tempo of the game increasing as Spain, trailing by three points with less than six minutes remaining, forced the extra period that they eventually won 90-89.
Spain’s Leonor Rodriguez, whose last throw sank into the basket to keep her team’s hopes alive during regulation time, recorded 25 points, marking her highest ever tally at the games.
For China, Li Yueru had a monster game with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and a 37 efficiency rating. She also tied for 10th place on the Olympic Women’s Tournament all-time list for most free throws made with 12.
China wasted many chances, committing 23 turnovers compared to just 8 for Spain, which hurt their chances significantly.
Meanwhile, Spain struggled from long range, hitting only 4 of 17 shots, but Rodriguez’s pivotal bucket secured their victory.
After the game, Spanish guard Leticia Romero expressed excitement, saying their resilience led to the victory.
“We never give up and we always fight. That is how our team is. That feeling and that fight is the best,” said Romero.
By Dotun Omisakin
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Spain’s 90-89 overtime victory over China in women’s basketball was a breathtaking contest. The intense match showcased exceptional skill and determination from both teams, with Spain’s narrow win highlighting their resilience and capability in high-pressure situations.