How to watch the USA-France game
Time: 9:30 a.m. EDT
TV: USA Network, Peacock
What you should know about Team France
Team France, led by former UConn star Gabby Williams, lost to Australia in group play and beat Belgium in overtime to reach the final. The host nation trailed 36-31 at halftime but came out of the locker room and fought back with a strong fourth quarter to tie the game.
Iliana Rupert, a former first-round pick of the Las Vegas Aces and bronze medalist in Tokyo, totaled 15 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals against Belgium. The current Atlanta Dream forward has yet to start a game and sat on the bench for the entire first game, despite being one of the team’s top scorers.
France’s offense was weak in the last game, but the defense forced 22 turnovers that turned into 30 points. The team struggled to make three-point shots, hitting just 30 percent of its field goals.
What you should know about Team USA
In the Americans’ 85-64 semifinal victory over Australia, all but one player scored points, 32 of which came from the bench.
Breanna Stewart (16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists vs. Australia) and A’ja Wilson (10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks) have led the way throughout the tournament. Aces guard Jackie Young is just one of the many reserve players who has impressed, scoring 29 points in her first two appearances.
The defense also contributed to the US women’s dominance. They grabbed twelve more rebounds than Australia and recorded ten steals and five blocks.
Only two players played less than 10 minutes in the semifinals, showing the strength and chemistry of Team USA, which sees them as favorites to win their 10th gold medal and eighth in a row. Diana Taurasi would win her sixth gold medal.
“It reflects the journey we’ve been on,” said U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve. “They don’t care who gets the credit, they just want to win.”
You can reach Alexa Podalsky at [email protected].
