PARIS -Â The Blue Devils continued competition at the 2024 Olympics on Monday with action in women's basketball and field hockey. Here is a recap from action on July 29Â in France.Â
Balogun, Nigeria Upend Australia, 75-62
Elizabeth Balogun scored nine points and pulled down four rebounds to help Nigeria to a 75-62 win over Australia in the team's opening game in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Balogun, a starting guard, played nearly 35 minutes, the second most of any Nigerian player. She went 4-of-10 from the field and knocked down a three-pointer. She also had two steals and two blocks in the winning effort.
Leading by one after the first quarter, Balogun and Nigeria were dominant in the second period as they held the Aussies to just 11 points for a 13-point lead at the half. Australia pulled within four after three quarters, but a 24-15 fourth quarter by the Nigeria squad gave them the three points in Group B action.
Nigeria continues Group B play against France August 1 at 11:15 a.m., on Peacock.Â
Crouse, United States Draw with World No. 7 Spain
Former Blue Devil Leah Crouse earned her second consecutive start on defense, helping the United States to a 1-1 draw against world No. 7 Spain. The contest was Crouse's 50th international match for Team USA.
Sophia Gladieux put the United States up 1-0 late in the first quarter. Spain equalized early in the second quarter and the two teams headed into halftime knotted at 1-1.
Spain held a 55-45 advantage in possession and managed 15 circle penetrations to the United States' 10. Team USA's defensive penalty corner unit was outstanding, holding Spain scoreless on 13 penalty corners.
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Photo courtesy of USA Field Hockey
USA will play No. 5 Australia on Wednesday, July 31 at 7:15 a.m. ET in their third pool game. Fans can watch it live on E! or stream it on Peacock.
 Gray Helps Lead U.S. to 102-76 Win over Japan
The United States' quest for its eighth consecutive gold medal got off to a fast start Monday as the U.S. opened group play with a resounding, 102-76, victory over Japan. Former Duke standout Chelsea Gray's playmaking ability was on display all night with the guard breaking down the defense en route to 13 dimes – just two off the USA Basketball single-game assist record. Gray also added two points and two steals.
After leading by 11 at the break (50-39), the United States outscored Japan 29-18 in the third, including an 8-3 run late in the period, to double its margin and take a 79-57 lead into the fourth. The USA kept its foot on the gas in the final period with the lead growing as large as 30 at the 2:37 mark.Â
Up next for the United States is a matchup with Belgium on Thursday, August 1 at 3 p.m.Â
