.jpg)
PARIS — In their third matchup of the summer, following previous victories of 61-57 and 70-65, Team USA once again narrowly defeated Spain, 66-56, in a tightly contested Paralympic opener at Bercy Arena on Thursday afternoon.
"We're talking about the best of the best right now," said Team USA’s Trevon Jenifer, referring to the high caliber of both teams. "This is the biggest tournament we have, so we know we’re going to get a team’s best shot out here. We had to come out and take care of business. Spain really challenged us in our first game."
The game was close early on, with the teams trading the first four baskets before Jake Williams hit back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Americans a 10-6 lead less than four minutes into the match.
Following a second-chance basket by Jenifer, Spain answered with a three-pointer that narrowed the gap to just one point and almost took the lead. However, Spain missed a layup, leaving the score at 18-17 in favor of the Americans as the first quarter came to a close.
.jpg)
Williams made a strong impact on the court, scoring eight points and contributing two rebounds and two assists all within the first quarter.
The second quarter continued the intensity of the first, with Jenifer quickly scoring two points. Spain responded by reclaiming the lead with 5:25 remaining in the period. However, Bell answered immediately with a bank shot, putting Team USA back in front at 24-23.
Although that was Spain’s only lead, the United States struggled to extend their advantage beyond two possessions, ultimately heading into the break with a slim 32-29 lead.
“Spain is an all-world team,” said five-time Paralympian and team captain Steve Serio. “We knew Spain always brings their best. They’re not a team you can overlook. We have plenty of room to improve, but we’ll review the game tape and get better.”
In the third quarter, Team USA began to pull away as Serio’s and-one play at the 7:36 mark gave them a 36-29 lead. Although Spain continued to battle, the Americans managed to keep a comfortable margin. Jennifer's fast break score with 3:01 left in the period extended the lead to eight points.
Team USA entered the fourth quarter with a 46-40 lead. Spain made a late push, closing the gap to just one possession with just over six minutes remaining. However, the Americans held firm and secured the win with a final score of 66-56.
Jake Williams led the team with 22 points and seven assists but noted that this is just the beginning.