PARIS (AP) — Gabby Williams didn’t get off to the start she wanted for France, but the former UConn star showed she knows how to finish.

Williams scored nine of her 18 points in overtime as France advanced to the gold medal game. Olympic Games in Paris in women’s basketball and beat neighbors Belgium 82-75 on Friday evening.

“I’m just trying to take a little more responsibility at the end,” Williams said. “I was well rested.”

Not only will the host country compete in the last event of these Olympic Games on Sunday, but France will also be in the fight for the gold medal for the first time since winning silver at the 2012 London Games. The French lost to the USA, who defeated Australia 85:64 in the other semi-final on Friday.

Now France has home advantage against the Americans, who are trying to become the first team in Olympic history to win eight gold medals in a row, male or female. France will secure a medal in a more beautiful color than the Bronze won three years ago at the games in Tokyo.

It will be an all Showdown between the USA and France for gold in basketball with the Men play Saturday and the women in the last competition of these Olympic Games on Sunday.

“Just a love letter to our fans and supporters because every gym was packed,” Williams said of the home team’s support during those games. “The atmosphere made us cry every single game. So just, yeah, just a love letter to the country, to our fans.”

“And we are happy to be able to give that back to them.”

While the home crowd was on its feet, waving French flags and dancing, the players celebrated on the pitch after the final whistle of an exciting game, jumping around and hugging each other.

The dejected Belgian Cats sat stunned on the bench for a few minutes after leading 46-31 in the third quarter, the first overtime game in the knockout rounds since the bronze medal match in 2000, which Brazil won against South Korea.

“It wasn’t easy because of the crowds. It was really like they had a sixth man,” said Belgian defender Julie Vanloo.

France led 66-60 with 56 seconds left in regulation. Vanloo was fouled on a three-pointer and made all three free throws, then Emma Meesseman tied the game with a three-pointer with 8.2 seconds left.

Belgium then got lucky. After leaving Valeriane Ayayi completely free for a 3-pointer from the left corner, the French striker crashed into the left rim. France could not capitalize on the rebound for another shot and the game went into overtime.

Williams scored the first five points of overtime, but Belgium continued to fight.

Meesseman scored from distance and reduced the score to 76-75 for the Cats with 55.8 seconds left. Williams responded with a layup, then Vanloo’s three-pointer was clearly too short. Williams converted two of the last three free throws for France, sealed the victory and opened the celebrations.

Belgium will play Australia for bronze on Sunday, a respectable performance for a country competing in only its second Olympic Games in the sport.

Ayayi finished the game with 17 points, Iliana Rupert with 15 and Janelle Salaun with 10 for France.

Meesseman finished the game for Belgium with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Kyara Linskens contributed 15, Elise Ramette 13 and Vanloo 11.

It was a rollercoaster ride of points scored.

Belgium built a 46-31 lead in the third quarter, but France responded with 10 straight points and made six straight free throws early in the fourth quarter to cap a 23-5 victory. France took a 54-51 lead after Marine Johannes’ two free throws with 7:19 left.

The crowd in the Bercy Arena rocked and waved French flags, preparing for the exciting final section.

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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games