Paris Olympics: France beats Belgium in women's basketball, will play USA for gold medal
The two countries played for gold at the 2012 London Games, with the U.S. winning big
Medal table | Olympic schedule | How to watch | Olympic news
France will play the United States for a gold medal in women's basketball in addition to the men's competition.
Gabby Williams led the host country with 18 points in an 81-75 win over Belgium in overtime. She scored nine points in the extra period. Valériane Ayayi added 17 points, followed by Iliana Rupert with 15 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
United States. France. FOR GOLD. #ParisOlympics
For the FIRST TIME in Olympic history, the men's and women's final will see the same two countries face each other. pic.twitter.com/Zab7pVymBs— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2024
Team USA defeated Australia earlier on Friday, 85-64, to reach the gold medal game. France and the United States will tip off at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday. The U.S. women are aiming to win their 61st consecutive Olympic game and eighth straight gold medal.
The two countries previously played for gold at the 2012 London Games, with the U.S prevailing 86-50. France earned a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games, beating Serbia 91-76.
Belgium hits a THREE to send the women's semifinal game to overtime vs. France. 😱
Get to USA Network NOW! #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/kijXYpjFTX— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2024
In Friday's game, Belgium's Emma Meesseman tied the game at 66-66 in regulation, hitting a 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining. Ayayi missed a 3-pointer for France and Marine Fauthoux couldn't convert an offensive rebound that could've won the game.
Meesseman scored a game-high 19 for Belgium, adding 14 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Kyara Linskens followed with 15 points and Elise Ramette tallied 13. Belgium will play Australia for the bronze medal on Sunday at 5:30 a.m. ET.
