Gabby Williams didn’t start off strong for France, but she finished impressively. Williams scored nine of her 18 points in overtime, leading France to a win over Belgium, 82-75, and securing a spot in the gold medal game of the Paris Olympics on Friday night.
“I just try to take a little bit more responsibilities at the end,” Williams said. “I was well rested.”
This win means France will be competing in the final game of the Olympics on Sunday. It’s the first time since the 2012 London Games that France has reached the gold medal game in women’s basketball. Back then, France lost to the U.S., which also won its semifinal match against Australia 85-64.
France will now have the advantage of playing at home against the U.S., who are aiming to win their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. France is guaranteed a medal better than the bronze they won at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
The final for basketball will feature both U.S. and French teams, with the men playing on Saturday and the women competing on Sunday.
Williams expressed gratitude for the strong support from home fans. “The atmosphere has made us want to cry every single game. So just yeah, just a love letter to the country, to our fans,” she said.
After the game, French players celebrated with their fans, while the Belgian team sat in disbelief after leading 46-31 in the third quarter. This was the first overtime game in the knockout rounds since Brazil’s win over South Korea in the 2000 bronze medal game.
“It wasn’t easy because of the crowds; it felt like they had a sixth man,” said Belgian guard Julie Vanloo.
France was ahead 66-60 with 56 seconds left in regular time. Vanloo was fouled while attempting a three-pointer and made all three free throws. Then Emma Meesseman made a three-pointer to tie the game with 8.2 seconds remaining.
Belgium had a chance to win when Valeriane Ayayi missed a wide-open three-pointer from the corner. France couldn’t get the rebound, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Williams scored the first five points, but Belgium continued to fight.
Meesseman scored to bring Belgium within 76-75 with 55.8 seconds left. Williams responded with a driving layup, and Vanloo missed a three-pointer. Williams added two of the last three free throws for France to secure the win and start the celebration.
Belgium will play Australia for the bronze medal on Sunday, which is a strong showing for them in their second Olympics in this sport.
Ayayi scored 17 points, Iliana Rupert had 15, and Janelle Salaun added 10 for France.
For Belgium, Meesseman had 19 points and 14 rebounds, Kyara Linskens added 15, Elise Ramette scored 13, and Vanloo had 11.
The game had many scoring runs. Belgium led 46-31 in the third quarter, but France responded with 10 straight points and six consecutive free throws to start the fourth quarter, making it a 23-5 run. France went ahead 54-51 after Marine Johannes made two free throws with 7:19 left.
The crowd at Bercy Arena was energetic, waving French flags and creating a thrilling finish.
