Team USA headlines star-studded women’s basketball semis

The GIST: After the American men avoided what would’ve been one of the biggest upsets of the Games and advanced to the gold medal matchup yesterday, women’s basketball takes center stage today when the stacked semis tip off in a few hours. Hoop yeah.

Team USA vs. Australia — 11:30 a.m. ET: With 59 straight Olympic dubs in their wake, the Americans are favored to win it all, especially with superstars like two-time WNBA MVPs A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart and Las Vegas Aces teammates and breakout performers Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum on their roster.

• The red, white, and blue overcame a meh start and overpowered Nigeria in the quarter-finals (QFs), but they’ll have their hands full with Australia — especially if Jade Melbourne’s fiery run of form continues and veteran Lauren Jackson returns to the court. Crikey!

France vs. Belgium — 3 p.m. ET: Don’t count out the host nation. Typically known for their defense, France showed off its offensive depth in their QF win, topping powerhouse Germany 84–71 behind 24 points from the NY Liberty’s Marine “Magnifique” Johannes.

• As for Belgium, they’ll be competing in their first Olympic semi, but fearless leader Emma Meesseman has plenty of championship experience, winning a WNBA ’ship (and Finals MVP) in 2019. That said, will it be enough to overcome an injury-depleted roster?