PARIS — Two-time WNBA champion A'ja Wilson scored 21 points as the United States survived an unexpectedly close contest from host France, winning 67-66 for their eighth straight Olympic gold medal in women's basketball on Sunday.
The U.S. women last lost in Olympic play when they failed to bring home gold in 1992.
But after France drew a foul and Cooper made both free throws, a last-minute shot by Williams was not enough.
"The dynasty we've built here at USA Basketball has been incredible," Wilson said in a postgame interview.
For the first time in Olympic history, the gold medal games in both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments were between the same nations.
Persons:
A'ja Wilson, Kahleah Cooper, Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, Gabby Williams, Cooper, Williams, Williams —, —, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, David K, Li, Susan Baek
Organizations:
PARIS, France, Bercy Arena, U.S, Fauthoux, Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, USA Basketball, WNBA, Team USA
Locations:
United States, U.S, France, Paris, New York