U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Triumphs Over Great Britain to Progress to Semifinals

Politics Sports John Brightwater September 4, 2024

U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Triumphs Over Great Britain to Progress to Semifinals

In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the United States Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team narrowly secured a victory against Great Britain, triumphing with a final score of 59-52. The decisive moment came when Ixhelt Gonzalez completed an uncontested layup, enabling Team USA to take a 53-50 lead which they maintained until the end of the match. “It was a moment of relief – it felt like the world was off our shoulders,” remarked Gonzalez regarding the significance of her play.

The encounter, held at the Bercy Arena, was critical in enabling Team USA to progress to the semifinals where they are set to face China in two days on September 6. Gonzalez, at only 20 years old, proved instrumental in the match, contributing 16 points and 11 rebounds. Furthermore, Rose Hollermann added to the team’s success with 15 points and 13 rebounds, praising Gonzalez’s remarkable skills despite her youth. “Ixhelt is young, but this is her second Paralympics – you can see that she is seasoned. She comes off the bench with such intensity,” Hollermann stated.

Initially, the U.S. team appeared to dominate, leading 31-24 at halftime. However, they faced significant pressure as Great Britain’s Robyn Love seized the lead with a critical score, bringing the tally to 48-47 midway through the second half. Nevertheless, the U.S. squad exhibited composure under pressure, with Hollermann scoring two points to regain the lead. Team USA ultimately solidified their advantage with a pivotal basket from team captain Becca Murray, marking a shift in momentum.

“It is all about trust on this team, and we wanted to ensure that regardless of the challenges we faced in the second half, we would prevail,” asserted Gonzalez, who proudly represents her Mexican heritage while residing in Chicago.

As Team USA prepares for their challenging matchup against China, they aim to elevate their performance following a bronze medal finish at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Hollermann noted the formidable challenge posed by China, who consistently competes for gold medals in international tournaments. “China has proven to be exceptionally skilled and disciplined, so we must focus on our own game and play to our potential in order to reach the gold medal final.”

The U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team last claimed Paralympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games, and Gonzalez aspires to replicate that success. “Competing in this arena, which has hosted legends of the sport, is extremely meaningful to us. Although my family is not present, participating in the same venue where celebrated athletes like LeBron James and Stephen Curry recently triumphed is a significant honor,” Gonzalez expressed.