Breanna Stewart had 22 points and 10 rebounds to pace the United States to a comfortable 97-79 win over France and the FIBA World Cup championship in Berlin.
Jackie Young added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists as the United States used a dominant third quarter to essentially close the door on France’s chances.
The victory gave the USA 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 USA leading 58-53 with just over two 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 Aliyah Boston punctuated with a layup with 40 seconds left in the period.
Caitlin Clark answered a Migna Toure 3-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 over host Germany.
–Field Level Media
