Men's Basketball
Former UCLA guard Jrue Holiday (2008-09) totaled three points, two rebounds and seven assists as the U.S. men's basketball team overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Serbia, 95-91, in France on Thursday. Team USA advanced to Saturday's gold-medal game against host nation France.
Serbia led the United States, 76-63, through three quarters before Team USA charged back. Steph Curry scored a team-best 36 points in the victory, while Joel Embiid finished with 19 points. Team USA outscored Serbia by a 32-15 margin in the final quarter. This marks the second time in the past three years in which Holiday has an opportunity to win an Olympic gold medal. He helped Team USA win gold at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, played in the summer of 2021.
This Saturday's gold-medal game in Paris will begin at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be televised live on NBC.
Women's Golf
Mariajo Uribe (2007-09) of Colombia signed off on another 2-under 70 in the second round of the Olympics at Le Golf National on Thursday to remain in a tie for fourth place (-4). Uribe, who announced her retirement from professional golf following the conclusion of this week's events, is four strokes back of clubhouse leader Morgane Metraux. Uribe, 34, is making her third Olympic appearance.
Lilia Vu (2015-18) of the United States shot a 1-over 73 in the second round to move up to 1-under (70-73) for the tournament and into a tie for 14th. Emma Spitz (2019-22) of Austria rose 14 spots on day two (+1, t-22nd) thanks to a 2-under 70 in the second round.
Patty Tavatanakit shot a 1-under 71 in her second round to climb 11 spots into a tie for 29th (+3).
Third round action in Paris begins at midnight (PT).
Women's Indoor Volleyball
U.S. women's national team staff members Karch Kiraly (head coach), Alfee Reft (assistant coach) and Sue Enquist (culture consultant) secured a spot in the gold medal match with a massive 3-2 (25-23, 18-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11) victory over Brazil in the semifinals on Thursday.
"It's kind of sad that either team has to lose a match like that," Kiraly said, "because both programs are legendary in terms of consistently high level of play in good tournaments like the Olympics and world championships."
Stanford alumna Kathryn Plummer recorded the winning spike for her match-high 26th point. To read the full story, click HERE.
The U.S. aims for gold for a second consecutive Olympics versus world No. 1 Italy this Sunday at 4 a.m. (PT) on NBC.
Women's Water Polo
The U.S. women's water polo team lost a heartbreaker in a penalty shootout, 14-13, to Australia in the semifinals of the Olympic Games on Thursday, August 8. The game featured five Bruins (three on Team USA and two on the Aussie Stingers) and three of them factored heavily in the outcome.
UCLA's Maddie Musselman scored the first goal of the game, converting a penalty shot, and the U.S. led 2-1 at the end of the first period. She would add a second goal in the second period as Team USA built a 5-2 lead at the break. But Australia scored the first three goals of the third period to tie it at 5-5. The Americans would lead 7-6 heading into the final stanza. Team USA scored the first goal of the fourth when the Bruins' Rachel Fattal scored on a power play opportunity. UCLA's Bronte Halligan would tie the game at 8-8 with back-to-back goals for Australia (6:36 and 2:54). The game would remain tied at the end of regulation.
Both teams cycled through the first five penalty shots without a miss. Halligan would convert her second penalty shot to put the Aussies up 14-13. Musselman's second penalty shot of the postgame was blocked, sending Australia to the gold medal game where they will face Spain on Saturday, August 10 at 6:35 a.m. PT. Team USA will play for Bronze at 1:35 a.m. PT against Netherlands.
Bruin Olympians in the News
'UCLA, here I come!' Jordan Chiles to rejoin Bruins after medaling twice at Paris Olympics– LA Times (Jordan Chiles)
Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles set to return to UCLA gymnastics for 2025 season– Daily News (Jordan Chiles)
Jordan Chiles reflects on her 'whirlwind' Olympics and accepting — and giving — flowers– Today (Jordan Chiles)
Olympian Jordan Chiles Announces Her Return To UCLA Gymnastics For 2025 Season– Forbes (Jordan Chiles)
Jordan Chiles returning to UCLA gymnastics team after winning gold, bronze at Paris Olympics– The Athletic (Jordan Chiles)
'I'm very proud of myself': Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles on her time in Paris– Morning Joe (Jordan Chiles)
Jordan Chiles set to return to UCLA for 2025 season –Olympics.com(Jordan Chiles)
I learned my husband has cancer while training for the Olympics. Now his battle is my motivation– Today Show (Maddie Musselman)
U.S. water polo star draws 'inspiration' from her cancer-stricken husband– NBC News (Maddie Musselman)
Jordan Chiles announces return to UCLA gymnastics– NBC New York (Jordan Chiles)
Mariajo Uribe Facts: 18 Things You Didn't Know About The Colombian Golfer – Golf Monthly (Mariajo Uribe)
This LPGA veteran is retiring after the Olympics. A medal is looking like a possible going-away gift – Golf Digest (Mariajo Uribe)
Saturday, she could wear Olympic golf gold — then end her career – Golf.com (Mariajo Uribe)
Jrue Holiday steers USA men's basketball to undefeated slate, two wins from Olympic gold – Daily Bruin (Jrue Holiday)
Social Media Highlights
— LPGA (@LPGA) August 8, 2024In her final tournament before heading into retirement, @MariaJoUribe is in contention ????
At the Olympics.
She's four shots behind the leader. pic.twitter.com/MEAelelrI2
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) August 8, 2024Mariajo Uribe is looking for an all-time retirement gift. ??
Read more: https://t.co/YN9UJQiOvz pic.twitter.com/Rv0H8O87Nw
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 8, 2024KATHRYN PLUMMER WINS IT. ????
The United States is headed BACK to the gold medal game to defend their title! #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/TB0DpmwByt
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 8, 2024Instant Classic.
???? #USABMNT #Paris2024 #Basketball
pic.twitter.com/JHv25gbezG
