Germany's Olympic debut triumph: secures quarterfinal spot

Satou Sabally scored 23 of her 33 points in the first half, helping Germany continue its impressive Olympic debut in women’s basketball with a 75-64 victory over Japan on Thursday, securing a place in the quarterfinals in Paris.

Germany played without Nyara Sabally, who plays for the WNBA’s New York Liberty, after she was injured during their opening match. Sabally had to be assisted off the court after wobbling. Led by Satou Sabally, Germany held a 42-36 advantage at halftime.

In the first half, German player Leonie Fiebich injured her ankle after colliding with Japan's Nako Motohashi while attempting to save a ball. Fiebich was treated and later returned in the third quarter.

Japan managed to equalise at 44 with a 3-pointer from Maki Takada, but Fiebich’s subsequent basket restored Germany’s lead. Germany then closed the third quarter with a 15-5 run, leading 59-49, and maintained its advantage to stay unbeaten in pool play.

Alexis Peterson contributed 11 points for Germany, while Luisa Geiselsoder added 10 points and 10 rebounds. For Japan, Maki Takada led the scoring with 15 points, while Saori Miyazaki added 13, and Saki Hayashi contributed 11.

On Thursday, other quarterfinal spots were also up for grabs, including for host nation France, which could clinch its group with a win over Nigeria. The African nation hopes to qualify as well, needing both a victory and an Australian win over Canada.

The US women's basketball team, aiming for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, only needs to defeat Belgium in Thursday’s final game to secure its place in Paris. Germany will face the US in their final pool match.

Japan, the silver medallist from the 2021 Tokyo Games, now needs a win against Belgium on Sunday and additional favourable results to secure one of the remaining two quarterfinal spots. Spain and Serbia secured the first quarterfinal berths with victories on Wednesday.