Paris Olympics: France beats Belgium in women’s basketball, plays US for gold medal

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In addition to the men’s basketball tournament, France will also play against the United States for the gold medal in women’s basketball.

Gabby Williams led the host nation with 18 points in an 81-75 overtime win over Belgium. 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.

Team USA defeated Australia 85-64 earlier on Friday to advance to the gold medal game. France and the United States kick off Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET. The U.S. women are aiming to win their 61st consecutive Olympic Games and their eighth consecutive gold medal.

The two countries previously played for gold at the London 2012 Games, with the US winning 86-50. France defeated Serbia 91-76 in Tokyo in 2020.

In Friday’s game, Belgium’s Emma Meesseman tied the score at 66-66 in regulation time, making a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left. Ayayi missed a 3-pointer for France, and Marine Fauthoux couldn’t convert on a game-winning offensive rebound.

Meesseman scored a game-high 19 for Belgium, with 14 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Kyara Linskens followed with 15 points and Elise Ramette had 13. Belgium plays Australia for the bronze medal on Sunday at 5:30 ET.