The Brazilian women's national team was ready to make a statement to start the 2028 Olympic pre-qualifying tournament after a decisive 61-48 win against Colombia to end the AmeriCup qualifiers.
Brazil, led by Illinois star Aaliyah Guyton, was poised to start the group stage on the right foot against South Sudan, but they would eventually fall short in an overtime heart-breaker by a score of 63-61.
Na prorrogação, o Brasil foi superado por Sudão do Sul por 63 a 61 na abertura do Qualificatório Pré-Olímpico, em Guadalajara, no México.
— Basquete Brasil - CBB (@basquetebrasil) August 17, 2026
Nossa jovem Seleção volta à quadra nesta terça, 18, às 23h30, contra a Nova Zelândia!
🏀Aaliyah - 20pts, 3reb e 2ast
🏀Bella - 16pts e… pic.twitter.com/xFLcjnuVDL
It was a bit of a one-sided affair for South Sudan to start the contest, as they opened the first quarter on a stellar 24-9 run. Brazil came roaring back in the final three quarters to force overtime, outscoring their opponent 44-32.
The dream would end up coming to an end for Brazil in the extra period of play, as a defensive battle would limit the green and gold to one point in the final two minutes of the contest.
Brazil will now move on to face New Zealand on August 18, who are coming off a dominant 57-35 win to open up their group stage.
Where Aaliyah Guyton goes, Brazil will follow as they make their way through the Olympic pre-qualifiers
The power of the women's Illinois basketball program has been center stage throughout these FIBA international tournaments, as Guyton has been a major catalyst for Brazil's success throughout the past two months.
Guyton has been a scoring machine for her team, recording 20 of her team's 61 points against South Sudan. Not only that, but she has also been the perfect player to turn to when Brazil needs a crucial bucket, just like when she forced overtime on Monday with a tough drive to the basket.
😱 Guyton sends it to OT! #FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/1NKeZw6La3
— FIBA Basketball (@FIBA) August 17, 2026
If Brazil wants to continue their trek to the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, they are going to need to continue relying on the savviness of the Illinois product. She has been a difference-maker for this team as of late and will certainly bring this energy back to Champaign this upcoming season.
Keep an eye on Brazil to bounce back from this loss. They are too talented not to.
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