Rory Breasail

Aug 10, 2024 | covers.com | Rory Breasail

It will be a double final matchup of France vs. USA, with the Women’s Basketball gold medal game tipping off on Sunday after the men play the day prior. The French women’s team won a thriller in overtime over Belgium to advance, while Team USA thrashed a talented Australian team. The Americans are once again massive favorites, but France has a few advantages their previous opponents did not. Read on for my picks and France vs.

Aug 9, 2024 | covers.com | Rory Breasail

The gold medal game in Olympic men’s basketball is set, and it has a lot to live up to after two incredible semifinal matchups. France put together a gutsy performance to top reigning World Cup champion Germany. As a result, France becomes the first host nation to make the gold medal game in basketball since 1996. Meanwhile, Team USA finally got tested.

Aug 8, 2024 | covers.com | Rory Breasail

While Team USA continues its ridiculous unbeaten streak in Women’s Basketball, teams from Nigeria to Belgium have given them trouble in spots ahead of today’s Semifinal against Australia. The Opals meanwhile have hit their groove, overcoming shaky group play performances to peak right ahead of their biggest test of the tournament. My USA vs. Australia predictions detail why I think the oddsmakers are too high on the American side's offense on Friday.

Aug 7, 2024 | covers.com | Rory Breasail

Serbia just completed the largest comeback in Olympic Men’s Basketball history, winning in overtime against Australia after trailing by 24 points in the first half. The path for Team USA has been smooth sailing by comparison, with four straight comfortable wins, including a decisive victory over Serbia in group play. The winner on Thursday books their ticket to the gold medal game, and it seems only a Nikola Jokic masterclass could unseat this seemingly unbeatable American squad.

Aug 7, 2024 | covers.com | Rory Breasail

One of the most heated rivalries in international Men’s Basketball resumes in the Olympic Semifinal as France and Germany face off for a right to play for gold. Germany got the better of France in group play, but France is coming off its best performance of the tournament having handily defeated Canada who themselves were 3-0 in the “Group of Death”. My France vs. Germany prediction is that it would be foolish to change priors too much after France’s one great outing in the tournament.