TOULOUSE (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – The United States of America earned a gold medal in the inaugural FIBA U17 World Championship for Women at the Palais des Sports in Toulouse by beating hosts France 92-62 in front of a huge crowd of about 2,500.

Christelle Diallo put France on the scoreboard first with a free-throw but Elizabeth Williams scored three times in the paint to put the USA up 11-5 less than four minutes into the game.

Sara Chevaugeon scored five quick points but those were countered by six from Kaleena Lewis and Ariel Massenger.

Local hero Lola De Angelis and Olivia Epoupa buried long bombs to help France cut the deficit and they were down by 10, 26-16, at the end of the first quarter.

Arnaud Guppillotte’s girls, who had kept pace with the USA in the first half of their game in Group A of the Preliminary Round nine days ago, went on an impressive 15-4 run early in the second period to edge in front 31-30.

However, that was short lived as Williams and Lewis spurred the Americans on and they accounted for 19 of the last 27 points of the first half to lead 50-38 at intermission.

Barbara Nelson’s charges extended their lead in the third period. Laure Mercier lifted France’s fortunes with two 3 pointers but France still trailed 75-54 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Americans height advantage, better finishing and deep bench were decisive in the final period and they deservedly came out on top.

The USA completed a clean sweep of the inaugural FIBA U17 World Championships as the men's team won in Hamburg two weeks ago.

Quotes

Barbara Nelson (USA head coach): I’m extremely excited. It’s very exciting to be the first winning team in an inaugural world championship. It’s an honour to compete but even more so to win. This team has given up a lot individually speaking to accomplish this success and the team’s goals. For example, our players played different positions than what they’re used to in high school. My congratulations to France. They should be really proud of what they accomplished as a team. They should also be very proud of their organisation and their federation for hosting such a great event.

Arnaud Guppillotte (France head coach): In sports, you should not have any regrets. We were beaten by a better team so I have no regrets. Reaching the final was a very positive result for us. I would like to thank the people responsible for organising this event, FIBA, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the French Federation. This medal is not just the work of a team of 12 players and the coaching and medical staff. It’s the work of an entire national federation and all the people there.

Claire Stievenard (France forward): We lost heavily but we still got a good result overall. The happiness of taking home a silver medal makes us forget about the disappointment of losing in the final.

FIBA/LOC