Olympic Tournament in Lille - Women's basketball players with second victory in the Olympic quarterfinals
Satou Sabally led the German women's basketball team into the Olympic quarter-finals. Driven by their star player, the team defeated Japan 75:64 (42:36) in Lille, securing their spot in the knockout round in Paris, following their second win after the men's team. With two wins, Germany is guaranteed to advance as one of the top two third-placed teams.
Satou Sabally of the Dallas Wings was the standout player for the German national team, scoring 33 points. In their final group game on Sunday, Germany faces top favorite USA. Nyara Sabally, the 24-year-old from the WNBA's New York Liberty, missed the game against Japan due to a mild concussion she sustained in the surprising 83:69 win over European champions Belgium.
Germany started nervously without Nyara Sabally. Only one of their first six shots found the Japanese basket. However, Satou Sabally took control and scored nine consecutive points, putting Germany on track. Germany built a 10-point lead (21:11).
But the agile Japanese team made it difficult for Germany. Additionally, Leonie Fiebich, another key player, injured her foot midway through the second quarter and had to sit out for a few minutes. Satou Sabally was largely left to her own devices, scoring 23 points and almost single-handedly securing a six-point lead at halftime (42:36).
After the break, Japan came out strong and tied the game at 44:44. However, Germany weathered the storm, thanks in part to Fiebich's determination to play through her injury and score crucial points. Germany then rebuilt a 10-point lead and held on to win.
In their final group game on Sunday, Germany faces top favorite USA. Nyara Sabally, the 24-year-old from the WNBA's New York Liberty, missed the game against Japan due to a mild concussion she sustained in the surprising 83:69 win over European champions Belgium.
The victory against Japan was a testament to Satou Sabally's leadership, as she guided the German women's team to success. Despite the absence of Nyara Sabally, numerous women delivered essential contributions to the team's victory.
