2020 Olympics: USA routs host country Japan, 86-69, in preliminary play

The United States women’s national team secured their 51st straight Olympic win defeating Japan 86-69. For most of the game, it was close between both countries as they steadily went back and forth, but Team USA being the taller team definitely dominated in the paint.

Japan early on was knocking down three-point shots, but USA defensively put a hold on that forcing them to face their bigs, which Japan seemed to struggle with hence the loss.

A’ja Wilson came through again notching a double double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. And Breanna Stewart had 15 points and 13 rebounds followed by Brittney Griner with 15 points of her own and five rebounds. Diana Taurasi was hot from three as nine of her 11 points came from beyond the arc.

Team USA sits atop Group B at 2-0 and will face France on Monday at 12:40 a.m. ET in hopes of winning and cruising toward the gold.

Australia Opals fall to 0-2 after late whistle call

The Australia women’s national team tried hard to fight back into the game even tying it at 74 apiece, but a late whistle call put China at the free throw line where Li Yueru sunk two free throws to take a 76-74 lead with 0.6 seconds remaining.

The Opals are in big trouble as they were crushed by Belgium in the first game and then the devastating loss to China on Friday. It could closely be over for Australia unless something magical occurs. It’s looking real rough without Liz Cambage being on the team.

Ezi Magbegor scored 15 points for Australia and Jenna O’Hea had 11.

Australia plays Puerto Rico on Monday in hopes of crushing them to at least be in third place.