2024 Olympics: Serbia leads Group A in women’s 5x5 basketball

The women’s 5×5 basketball competition may be one where Team USA is in the driver’s seat, but there’s still plenty to play for, and the opening slate of games in Group A proved why. The talent all around the world in the women’s game continues to improve, and that means parity is paramount.

Both opening Group A games were as close as possible, with Spain beating China 90-89 in overtime and Serbia avoiding disaster by surviving a fourth-quarter surge by Puerto Rico to come out victorious 58-55. After one day of action, Serbia leads the group and Spain is second, followed by China and Puerto Rico.

With just one game down, Group A is far from decided as we head into the next set of games. Here is a recap of the previous contests and a look at the upcoming matchups.

Li Yueru nearly bests Spain

China pushed Spain to the absolute limit, losing by just a point in overtime. Yueru had an exceptional game, imposing her will on the Spaniards as she scored 31 points in the defeat.

The only woman in Chinese Olympic basketball history to score more points in a game than Li Yueru did today (31) is Zheng Haixia who scored 32 against Team USA Sept. 25, 1998.

— LA Sparks PR (@LASparksPR) July 28, 2024

It wasn’t enough, as Spain’s Megan Gustafson led the way with 29 points, eight rebounds, and four steals, while Leonor Rodriguez stepped up big with 25 points. Spain is far from safe, but the win is crucial, and while China lost, there’s no reason to think they are done in this group.

Serbia has a scare

Serbia was in the driver’s seat up 55-36 heading to the fourth quarter. Then their offense went ice cold, and Puerto Rico went on a tear. They outscored Serbia 19-3 in the final 10 minutes. Puerto Rico not only made it competitive, but, with 23 seconds left, they had the ball down two points with a chance to tie or take the lead.

It took a Dragana Stanković block on Pamela Rosado to end the comeback and secure the result.

Neither team is favored to dominate Group A, but Serbia is a step closer to advancement with a win. The victory gives them an advantage over Spain with a +3 point differential versus Spain’s +1, putting Serbia at the top of the group.

What to watch on Wednesday

Puerto Rico will take on Spain at 5 a.m. ET (Peacock) on Wednesday, so be sure to set your clock. Spain will be heavily favored and should make quick work of Puerto Rico, given the depth, quality and experience they have on the roster. Spain took on a tough challenge versus China, but Puerto Rico doesn’t have that kind of firepower.

Serbia will play against China at 7:30 a.m. ET (Peacock) in a game with huge implications for the group standings. Serbia controls its destiny, but can it contain Yueru and Han Xu down low and earn the upset win? Or will China prove they are the team to beat and earn a statement win?

If Serbia comes out victorious, that will all but punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. A defeat, however, makes things very interesting. They only have a +3 point differential heading into Wednesday’s action, so even if they lose, it’s imperative the game is close if they want a shot at one of the top two spots in Group A.