Aug 1, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; United States guard Sabrina Ionescu (6) celebrates with shooting guard Diana Taurasi (12) after scoring a three point shot against Belgium in the second half in a women’s group stage game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Ducks' Sabrina Ionescu Wins Olympic Gold: Team USA Beats France

Originally posted on Oregon Ducks on SI
By Arden Cravalho | Last updated Aug 11, 2024 1:40 PM ET

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The Oregon Ducks may be more known for their track and field success in the Olympics but Sabrina Ionescu continues to put the women's basketball program on the international map.

The gold medal games in Paris had both the men's and women's matchups consisting of the USA and home country France. Both games also ended up having America being the last one standing.

On the women's side in the closing seconds, Gabby Williams of France banked it in a shot at the buzzer down by three but her foot was on the three-point line and it only counted as a two. Team USA ended up winning by just a single point, 67-66. Coming away with gold in that hostile French crowd with everything on the line is no easy accomplishment.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Ionescu of the New York Liberty did show up in the box score with zero points off the bench in 10 minutes but A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces did what she does best to make up for it. Wilson was the leading scorer for the Americans with 21 points as well as a game-high 13 rebounds and 4 blocks.

A heartfelt moment occurred after Team USA came away victorious with Ionescu and the Bryant family. She went courtside to embrace Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka and Capri. Sabrina was extremely close with Kobe before his unfortunate passing.

An INCREDIBLE moment: Sabrina Ionescu (@sabrina_i20) embraces the Bryant family after Team USA captures gold at the #ParisOlympics. pic.twitter.com/TZDtfsD0F4
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024

Ionescu adds to her already stacked resume with an Olympic gold medal and it's safe to say that this won't be her last opportunity to get another one. The face of Oregon women's basketball is inspiring the future of the game with her winning ways.

This article first appeared on Oregon Ducks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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