PARIS Team USA defeated Spain, 66-56, in a closely contested Paralympic opener in Bercy Arena on Thursday afternoon. The US had won its two prior matches this summer by scores of 61-57 and 70-65.
“We’re talking about the best of the best right now,” Team USA's Trevon Jenifer said of competing teams. “This is our biggest tournament, so we knew we'd get a team's best shot, so we had to perform. Spain played well in our first game.”
The game was competitive for the first four minutes until Jake Williams hit back-to-back threes to put the Americans up 10-6 less than four minutes in.
After Jennifer's second-chance basket, Spain hit a 3-pointer to narrow the deficit to one and nearly seized the lead, but missed the layup to close the first period 18-17 for the Americans.
Within the first quarter, Williams scored eight points, grabbed two rebounds, and assisted two.
Jennifer scored two points to start the second quarter, but Spain answered immediately to take its first lead with 5:25 left. Bell banked one off the glass to take the lead at 24-23.
“Spain is an all-world team,” five-time Paralympian and captain Steve Serio stated. “We knew Spain always delivers. They are no easy opponent. We have space to improve, but we'll review the game footage and improve.”
Team USA led 36-29 after Serio's and-one play at 7:36 in the third quarter. Although Spain fought back, the Americans held a comfortable lead. Jennifer's fast break basket at 3:01 stretched the margin to eight.
The USA led 46-40 entering the fourth quarter, but Spain rallied to within one possession with six minutes left. However, the Americans won 66-56.