Napheesa Collier '15, Cheryl Reeve-led Team USA edge France for Olympic gold

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve and forward Napheesa Collier helped Team USA win its eighth straight Olympic gold medal on Sunday morning in Paris. Just barely.

France’s Gabby Williams made a jumper with one second remaining, but replay confirmed it was a 2-pointer and not what would have been a game-tying 3 in the Americans' 67-66 victory. It didn’t come easy, but Reeve won her third Olympic gold as head coach of Team USA, which won its eighth straight gold medal overall.

Collier, who also stars for Reeve on the Lynx, started and had seven points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes. Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson led the Americans with 21 points and 13 boards. Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper had 12 each off the bench.

The Americans shot just 34% from the field and 15% from 3-point range. They went into the half tied with France at 25-25 and allowed the French to jump out on an 8-0 run to open the second. France shot just shot just 32% and 19% from 3.

The Americans recovered to take a two-point lead entering the fourth quarter, which was a neck-and-neck battle. Williams was France’s leading scorer and only player in double figures with 19 points and seven rebounds. Valeriane Ayayi tallied nine points.

But in the end Reeve, Collier and the U.S. held on to win the Olympic gold. The streak continues for Team USA despite a dangerously close call with a tough French team. 
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