USA vs. Belgium final score, results: Breanna Stewart and A'ja Wilson lead USA to quarterfinal berth

The U.S. women's basketball team punched its ticket to the quarterfinals with one game to go in the group stage after beating Belgium 87-74. Breanna Stewart led all scorers in the contest with 26 points, followed up by A'ja Wilson, who netted 23.

It was the second consecutive game each scored more than 20 points, both becoming the first American players since Lisa Leslie in 2004 to score more than 20 points in consecutive Group Phase or Preliminary Round games. 

For the Belgians, Emma Meesseman battled for 24 points herself. Julie Vanloo had 11 points and five assists, as well, helping Meesseman when she could. Nevertheless, they were never able to lock down the Americans. 

Up next for Team USA is an undefeated Germany, who also has their spot in the quarterfinals secured. The battle will be for seeding, which could be crucial when the time comes in the elimination rounds.

The Sporting News had you covered with live scores, updates, and highlights from the 2024 Olympic women's basketball matchup between the USA and Belgium.

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USA vs. Belgium score

MORE: How USA basketball star Brittney Griner advocated for Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich in prisoner swap with Russia

USA vs. Belgium live updates, highlights from 2024 Olympics

(All times Eastern)

End of regulation: USA 87, Belgium 74

The United States finished out the matchup strong, with Wilson reaching 23 points and Stewart 26. Belgium's Meesseman hit 24 points of her own and Delaere hit four three pointers, but they couldn't keep up with the American's staunch defense and fast-paced offense.

4:42 p.m. — ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? Ionescu hits a three from the logo on the Americans' last possession, quieting the heavily Belgian crowd and securing the win for Team USA. 

4:41 p.m. — Team USA leads 84-74 with just under a minute remaining.

4:38 p.m. — Delaere hits her fourth three of the game, but its starting to look too-little-too-late for Belgium. Wilson has now eclipsed 20 points as well for the second game in a row and the USA look to be in prime position to advance.

4:31 p.m. — Stewart gives the United States its largest lead of the game with back-to-back scores, bringing it to 75-61 with just over four minutes remaining in the half. Stewart now has 24 points on the night and Wilson has a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. 

4:28 p.m. — Delaere is on a heater now for Belgium as she makes back-to-back threes, drawing her team within seven points.

4:27 p.m. — Plum eases one in and extends the American lead to 13 points, up 68-55 with 6:40 to go.

4:25 p.m. — Wilson loses the ball in the paint but grabs her own rebound and muscles out a layup. Ramette goes down the other end and answers with her own, but Loyd hits a three pointer for the USA and maintains the lead.

End of third quarter: USA 60, Belgium 53

Both teams traded free throws to end the third frame, but Belgium managed to get back within double-digits before the whistle. Meesseman has 20 points, but Stewart is on her heels with 19.

4:15 p.m. — Belgium comes out of a timeout and hits four straight points, one of which was Meesseman's 20th of the game. They are creeping closer to the U.S., who now lead only by seven.

4:13 p.m. — Collier hits back-to-back threes and keeps the United States out front after having a low scoring quarter up until that point. The Americans lead 58-47 with 1:57 remaining in the third.

4:05 p.m. — Belgium has scored six straight points (thanks to Meesseman and Vanloo) and are now within four of the United States 50 points. There's just over six minutes remaining in the third for them to catch up.

4:00 p.m. — The Belgians win the halftime tip and Meesseman pulls up to inch them closer to the Americans. Wilson doesn't let that happen and re-extends the lead with a jumper of her own. Stewart made two free throws to get the lead back in double-digits at 50-40 with 8:17 remaining in the quarter.

Halftime: USA 46, Belgium 38

After a hectic final minute, resulting in several changes of possession and missed shots, the United States heads into the locker room with a convincing eight point lead. Stewart, Wilson and Thomas have lead the way so far for the Americans, while Meesseman and Vanloo have done so for Belgium.

3:40 p.m. — The U.S. maintains a steady lead heading into the final minute of play, as Stewart finally misses her first shot of the game. Linskens makes a layup for Belgium and brings them within 10 for the first time in a little while with the score at 46-38 with 0:36 to go.

3:35 p.m. — For every Belgian point, there is an American answer. Stewart is at 15 points, while Wilson has eight rebounds in addition to eight points. Meesseman leads the Belgians with 13 points herself.

Have yourself a half, Stewie!

📺 @USANetwork @peacock

🇺🇸 #USABWNT #Paris2024 #Basketball
pic.twitter.com/BalQv87nLf

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 1, 2024

3:31 p.m. — Stewart comes up with an insane block, almost like a volleyball swat, on a Belgian effort to protect the U.S. lead. Loyd followed that up with a hit three pointer to give Team USA a double-digit cushion, 40-29 with 4:46 remaining in the second.

3:30 p.m. — Thomas scores two more from the free-throw line, bringing her total to eight points off the bench. Stewart adds another layup as well, extending the American lead to eight.

3:25 p.m. — Team USA is off to a much better start, with Wilson and Griner making layups and four points from Thomas. They lead Belgium 31-25 with just over eight minutes to go in the half.

End of first quarter: USA 23, Belgium 23

Stewart led all scorers with 11 points in the first, with big Wilson and Griner combining for eight. However, the Americans gave up the ball five times and allowed Meesseman and Vanloo to dictate the pace of part of the game. 

3:20 p.m. — Thomas puts one back to even the score, then the Americans cause a turnover that results in an Ionescu layup. Despite there being only four seconds left on the clock, Thomas fouled Delaere and the Belgians tied it up before the end of the quarter, 23-23. 

3:13 p.m. — Make that an eight to nothing run for Vanloo, as she sinks another three to put her team in the lead.

3:12 p.m. — Vanloo is on a heater, scoring the last five points of the game for Belgium and tying the score back up at 17.

3:10 p.m. — Stewart draws a foul on a layup attempt and nails both free throws, bringing her first quarter total to eight points already. She makes that 11 by hitting a three on their next possession, giving the Americans the lead at 15-12 with 4:26 to go in the first.

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— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 1, 2024

3:05 p.m. — Belgium comes back with two baskets off two beautiful assists, one from Meesseman and one from Linskens. Stewart shut their momentum down with a jumper, but Linskens answered with a layup of her own, tying it back up at 6-6 with 7:31 remaining in the first.

3:00 p.m. — The broadcast of USA vs. Belgium has begun on USA and we have tipped off! Belgium wins the jump ball and Ramette misses a jumper. The Americans regain possession and Stewart hits a shot to put the USA up first. 

Pregame

2:45 p.m. — The first five are in for Team USA: Stewart, Taurasi, Wilson, Gray, Collier. No changes from last game. 

2:25 p.m. — Team USA is a 21.5 point favorite over Belgium, per BetMGM. Should they win, the Americans would go on to play Germany in a clash of the final two undefeated teams in the group.

2:15 p.m. — Germany beat Japan earlier today 75-64, rocketing them into first place in Group C. Here are the current standings: 

Group C

1:15 p.m. — Team USA has boarded the bus to Pierre Mauroy Stadium. They look to win their second game of the Games so far today against Belgium. A'ja Wilson said their defense looked "really good" and "resilient" in the first game, and they could adapt and adjust on their defense quicker in their next one.

On our way to Pierre Mauroy Stadium!

🇺🇸 #USABWNT vs 🇧🇪 Belgium

🕒 3 pm ET
📺 @USANetwork + @peacock #Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/reWfiIauwh

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 1, 2024

How to watch USA vs. Belgium in 2024 Olympics

• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• TV channel: USA
• Live stream: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC Sports App, Fubo

USA vs. Belgium will air on USA at 3 p.m. ET, available for streaming on Peacock, the NBC Olympics website, the NBC Sports App, and Fubo, which offers a free trial so you can try before you buy.

STREAM: Watch USA vs. France in the Olympic women's basketball tournament on Fubo (free trial)

Olympic women's basketball schedule 2024

All group stage games will be held at Pierre Mauroy Stadium, located in Lille, about 140 miles north of Paris. All knockout round games will be held in Bercy Arena in Paris.

Group Stage

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Medal Round