Meet Olivia Epoupa, France's new hero
RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Olivia Epoupa may be one of the shortest players at the Rio 2016 Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament but she has been huge for France.
In the absence of superstar Celine Dumerc, who was ruled out through injury just two days before the start of the Olympics, the 1.64m point guard has become a key player, and her stats speak for themselves.
The 22-year-old has averaged 10 points and a team-high 5.5 assists in France's first two Group A games - both wins.
Endy Miyem hit the game-winner in a 73-72 success against Belarus on Sunday, but moments earlier Epoupa herself hit a crucial jumper with 16 seconds left to play. It was Epoupa who fed Miyem for the basket that changed the course of the game at the end. She finished with team-highs of 16 points and 6 assists and also grabbed 5 rebounds, including 4 on the offensive end.
Olivia Epoupa can ball. France has to get her in the open court
— Eric Nemchock (@nemchocke) August 6, 2016
But les Bleues aren't the only ones making the most of Epoupa's plays. She has won the hearts of fans - mostly locals - attending France's games at Deodoro Youth Arena.
Olivia Epoupa of France is a player to watch. Her stock is going UP! Baller, super motor and lion heart. So quick too!
— Neil Harrow (@neil_harrow) August 8, 2016
With France set to take on Australia on Tuesday, Epoupa talked to FIBA.com about her impact on the team and discussed the French's challenges in Rio de Janeiro.
FIBA.com: How did you manage to stay so calm is in such a critical moment of the game against Belarus?
Epoupa: We played poor defense to start the game. We intensified it and in the second half things worked out for us. My mindset going into that game was that I had to step up and we couldn't lose that game.
FIBA.com: The Opals are your next opponents. How significant was it for France to stay undefeated heading into a clash against a medal contender like them?
Epoupa: It was a good win for us, especially after the victory against Turkey. It was an important win because in this tournament everybody can beat anyone. It gives us confidence moving on in this tournament. We'll have tough games before we can think about reaching the Quarter-Finals. We have to be ready.
Epoupa and Lindsey Hardey put on an intriguing duel for the fans
FIBA.com: Can you talk your match-up against Lindsey Harding? She finished with 12 points and 8 assists but you played a part in her committing 7 turnovers.
Epoupa: I knew it was going to be a hard game against her. She is one of the key players - alongside [Yelena] Leuchanka - of the Belarus tea, but I just tried to play the best of my abilities.
FIBA
