Team USA is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold in women’s basketball during the Paris Olympics but not without challenges. While Team USA was considered the best of the lot, they suffered an upset at the hands of the underdogs – the WNBA All-Star team. This induced a state of panic among the fans. But celebrated analyst Andraya Carter shares that the recent loss shouldn’t waver Team USA off their tracks.

Carter was present during the Good Morning America on Sunday and gave a summary of the key takeaways from the much-watched game between the two. Carter’s words brought a ray of hope in the otherwise bleak environment of Team USA.

“There’s no cause for panic because truly, there is no better preparation game for this Team USA than the WNBA All-Stars…When I watch Team USA, they have so much talent they can use so many different lineups but it’s clear that they’re still trying to learn their system. But there are going to be a lot of countries that play like they have nothing to lose so this was a great test and a great lesson for Team USA. Lose the battle, win the war. I still think they have an incredible chance to go win an eighth straight gold medal,” Carter stated on Good Morning America.

Team USA suffered an upset by a narrow margin against the WNBA All-Star Team. While Team USA scored 109 points, the All-Star team hit 117. However, the game looked to be heading in A’ja Wilson & Co.’s favor during halftime. They were positioned at 54 points as compared to their opponent’s 52. Hence, the loss came as a shock for many of USA’s fans who also questioned if the team would be able to win their eighth consecutive gold at the Paris Olympics.

The Olympics will feature Team USA competing against Japan, Belgium, and Germany in the group stage. Two winners from each group will advance to the quarterfinal stage. Team USA will have to be careful since they have already exposed their weaknesses in the All-Star game. Plus, a lot of players who originally participated in the WNBA will be plying their trade for their respective countries. And fans would be hoping that it isn’t a special cause of worry as stated by Carter. Meanwhile, Carter also applauded the MVP of the night Arike Ogunbowale for her exceptional play.

Andraya Carter lauds Arike Ogunbowale

Carter reminded everyone that Team USA was leading until halftime before the Ogunbowale storm gripped everyone. “They were all in the second half,” Carter reflected when speaking of Ogunbowale’s record-breaking 34 points. With this, she has become the highest scorer in a WNBA All-Star game since the inception of the format in 1999.

Notably, Ogunbowale scored an exceptional 21 points in the third quarter which prompted Carter to state that there was “no answer for her.” She won the MVP award that night and took home the glorious trophy for the second time in her career.

Now fans will breathe a sigh of relief after assurance from Carter. And hopefully, Team USA will be able to trump their opponents in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.