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5 to Watch: Nia Ali Gets Silver, US Men's Basketball Advances

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From a Philadelphia mom hurdling to silver to the USA Men's Basketball Team righting the ship in its first elimination game to a Philadelphia-born paddler coming up short for a medal, here's what to watch in Rio Wednesday.

DON'T MISS THE ACTION: For a complete rundown of all the day's events in Rio, visit the streaming schedule page for NBCOlympics.com. Watch every event of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games live there, on the NBC Sports App and connected set-top boxes and catch the highlights in primetime on NBC.


Supermom Nia Ali Gets Silver in Hurdles 

Philadelphia mother Nia Ali won the silver medal in the 100-meter hurdles Wednesday night, finishing with a time of 12.59 seconds. 

Ali, a West Catholic grad, was part of an American sweep of the final. Brianna Rollins took home gold with a time of 12.48 while Kristi Castlin took the bronze with a time of 12.61.

[PHI-OLY]How Fast? How Far? Philadelphia-Area Olympians by the Numbers

Neptune, New Jersey native and Temple University's Ajee' Wilson's Olympic debut was a success Wednesday morning as she ran a season's best time of 1:59.44 to qualify  for Thursday night's semifinal in the Women's 800-Meters. 

At 37, Maggie Hogan Paddles Hard, Just Misses Cut

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Colts Neck, New Jersey, paddler Maggie Hogan now calls California and Oklahoma home. At 37, she competed in her first Olympics in Rio.

After missing out on the semifinals in the Women's Single Kayak 200-Meter on Monday, Hogan hoped to have better results Wednesday in the 500-meter race.

Hogan's time of 1:58.970 -- which actually was faster than a paddler in a another heat -- was the best time not to qualify for the semifinals, ending her Olympic journey.

U.S. Men Spike Poland

A trio of Penn State guys took a step closer to gold Wednesday afternoon as the U.S. Men's Volleyball Team beat Poland in the quarterfinals.

After highs and low during the preliminary round, the team – featuring Nittany Lions Max Holt, Matt Anderson and Aaron Russell – entered their knockout round opener against Poland riding the high of three-straight wins. [[390381051, C]]

The United States took the match in straight sets 25-23, 25-22 & 25-20. They will face either Iran or Italy in the semifinals Friday.

Ashleigh Johnson, U.S. Water Polo Stop Hungary

The U.S. women's water polo team pushed around Brazil for most of Monday afternoon. Led by Princeton's Ashleigh Johnson's six saves, the Americans carried a shutout into the fourth quarter.

Facing a tough Hungary team for a second time Wednesday, the favored U.S. team didn't want to take anything for granted, especially a confident Hungarian team. [[390049021, C]]

"Everybody's beatable," Hungary center back Orsolya Takacs said.

Hungary proved to be beatable as the U.S. won 14-10 to stretch its win streak to 21 games.

The U.S. is guaranteed as least a silver. They face Italy in Friday afternoon's gold medal match.

Team USA Basketball Beats Argentina

The United States defeated Argentina 105-78 Wednesday to advance to the semifinal round of the men's basketball tournament in Rio.
Kevin Durant led the United States with 27 points, while Paul George chipped in with 17. The U.S. will play Spain in the next round.

The United States defeated Argentina 105-78 Wednesday to advance to the semifinal round of the men's basketball tournament in Rio. Kevin Durant led the United States with 27 points, while Paul George chipped in with 17. The U.S. will play Spain in the next round.

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