Breanna Stewart has scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the United States to a comfortable 97-79 win over France and another FIBA World Cup title in Berlin.
Jackie Young added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists as the US used a dominant third quarter to close the door on France’s chances.
The victory gave the US its 12th gold medal at an event it has historically dominated. No other nation has won more than six golds, with the Americans taking the last five championships.
Team USA outscored France 30-12 in the third quarter to turn a 45-43 deficit into a runaway victory.
With the score tied 47-all early in the third, Stewart, Kahleah Copper and Young scored baskets for a 7-0 USA run and a 54-47 edge. Then, with the US leading 58-53 with just over 2 minutes left in the quarter, it found another gear.
Chelsea Gray and Copper each scored a basket, and after a France free throw, Team USA went on a 9-0 run to go up 71-54. Copper made three free throws during the run, which was punctuated by Aliyah Boston’s lay-up with 40 seconds left in the period.
Caitlin Clark answered a Migna Toure three-pointer with her own jumper to make it 73-57 going into the fourth.
Copper finished with 15 points, with Gray and Clark adding 12 apiece.
Dominique Malonga paced France with 21 points and six rebounds. Gabby Williams added 20 points and seven assists.
France held a 20-17 lead after the first quarter following a 3-pointer from Marine Johannes and a pair of Malonga free throws.
Spain, the USA’s semifinal opponent, won the third-place game 81-58 against host Germany.
Reuters
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