US beat France in Women's Basketball World Cup final
The United States women’s national basketball team defeated France 97-79 in the World Cup final in Berlin, Germany, overcoming a 14-point deficit. The Americans won their fifth consecutive title at the tournament, Channel NewsAsia reports.
France led in the second quarter
The final was a repeat of the decisive match at the 2024 Olympic Games, which also featured the United States and France. The victory extended the Americans’ unbeaten streak at the Olympics and World Cups to 20 years.
Early in the game, the United States took a five-point lead, while team captain Breanna Stewart became the highest scorer of the match with 22 points. However, the French improved their three-point shooting. Led by Gabby Williams, they went on a 21-2 run and took a 14-point lead early in the second quarter.
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By halftime, the United States had reduced the deficit to two points. Caitlin Clark made a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the first half.
US surge after the break
Consecutive three-pointers by Kahleah Copper and Jackie Young put the United States ahead 58-51. Early in the fourth quarter, another three-pointer by Clark increased the Americans’ lead to 19 points. The French team could not overcome their opponents’ defense.
For France, this was its first Women’s World Cup final and the team’s best result in the tournament’s history. In the third-place game, Spain defeated the hosts, Germany, 81-58.
