The USA men’s and women’s basketball teams have both advanced to the quarterfinals at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France with perfect 3-0 records.
St. Louisans Jayson Tatum and Napheesa Collier turned in solid performances in helping the USA cruise to three victories during pool play last week. Both players have been starting for their respective teams during the past two games.
Tatum, the former Chaminade College Prep All-American, had 10 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals in the USA’s 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico in the final game of pool play. He also added four points, five rebounds and two assists in a victory over South Sudan.
Team USA’s men will resume play on Tuesday when they take on Brazil in the quarterfinals, which will be played in Paris. Tip off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (St. Louis time).
The USA women advanced through group play undefeated with victories over Japan, Belgium and Germany. Collier, the former Incarnate Word Academy star, has been very solid as a starter at the forward position.
In the victory over Belgium, Collier had seven points and eight rebounds. She followed up with eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in the victory over Germany on Sunday.
The USA women will face Nigeria in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Nigeria is making its first-ever appearance in the quarterfinal round at the Olympics.