U.S. Wins Fifth Consecutive Women’s FIBA World Cup

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The U.S. women’s basketball team secured victory in the FIBA World Cup by overcoming France with a final score of 97-79. This marks their fifth consecutive World Cup win, extending their winning streak to 36 games since the 2006 loss to Russia in the semifinals. The team has remained undefeated in gold medal games after finishing second to the Soviet Union in 1983.

Although the U.S. triumphed in the end, the game presented challenges. The team faced a significant deficit in the tournament, trailing by 14 points in the first half. Breanna Stewart, along with teammate Jackie Young, led the rally to shrink the gap. Caitlin Clark contributed by hitting a 3-pointer right before halftime.

The Americans took control in the second half, initiating the third quarter with an 11-2 run. Stewart played a crucial role in this period, scoring four points. Named the tournament MVP, Stewart finished the game with 22 points, while Young added 18.

Despite a strong effort by France, which momentarily narrowed the gap to 55-51, the U.S. responded with a 16-3 run. France was hindered by two unsportsmanlike fouls on the same play, allowing the Americans to lead 73-57 going into the fourth quarter. France couldn’t overcome the deficit thereafter.

This U.S. team featured a mix of veterans and newcomers, including Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Despite appearing vulnerable due to a close three-point win over Italy in pool play and a 10-point victory over Spain in the semifinals, the team’s medal-round dominance continued, finishing as champions once more, with past wins by an average of 26 points.

For France, the loss offered them their best finish in the event. The team came close to defeating the U.S. before at the 2024 Paris Olympic gold-medal game, a one-point loss that remained memorable.

French players Dominique Malonga and Gabby Williams scored 21 and 20 points respectively. France started the game strong, leading 20-17 after the first quarter. They continued their momentum into the second quarter, increasing their lead to 31-17. However, the Americans managed to rally back, narrowing the score to 45-43 at the half.

Elsewhere, Spain won the bronze medal by defeating Germany.