Team USA suffers defeat to WNBA All-Star team in pre-Olympic showdown

Arike Ogunbowale set a WNBA All-Star scoring record with 34 points as the WNBA team defeated the U.S. Olympic team 117-109. This was the second consecutive win for the WNBA All-Star team over the Olympians, led by Ogunbowale who was also MVP of both games. The U.S. men’s Olympic team had a narrow victory over South Sudan in an exhibition game in London. The U.S. women’s team will play Germany in an exhibition game before the Olympics in Paris. Ogunbowale dominated the game in the third quarter, scoring 21 points and leading the WNBA team to victory. The 2021 All-Star MVP, Ogunbowale has previously been in the U.S. national team pool but didn’t make the roster, citing political reasons for stepping back. The game also saw impressive performances from rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who have elevated the WNBA with their presence. The game celebrated Diana Taurasi’s 20-year career and the return of Brittney Griner from wrongful detainment in Russia in 2022. Despite the U.S. team only practicing together for two days, they fell short against the WNBA All-Stars, with Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson standing out for the Olympians. The game was a spectacle filled with energy and applause for the players, highlighting the growth and excitement surrounding the WNBA.

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