XI'AN (China) - The FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Xi'an, China has been nothing short of a showcase of dominance for France.

They have left a trail of defeated opponents in their wake, exhibiting a level of play that has been so efficient that center Iliana Rupert aptly depicted in an interview with L'Equipe along with several members of the team after their victory over China with a score of 82-50.

"I THINK IT WAS OUR BEST GAME IN A LONG TIME IN TERMS OF INTENSITY. LIKE A STEAMROLLER."
- Iliana Rupert

Dominance Unleashed

France's performance in Xi'an has been extraordinary. They have been decimating their opponents by an average difference of 40.0 points, a testament to their sheer dominance on the court. This superiority is rarely seen in international competitions, usually reserved for the best of the best, and has undoubtedly sent a strong message to their rivals as they prepare for the Olympic Games. 

Stellar Performances

The outstanding individual performances of Marine Johannes and Gabby Williams have been key to France's dominance. Johannes has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 17.0 points, 4.0 assists, and an incredible 5.0 three-pointers made per game. Meanwhile, Williams has been versatile as advertised, contributing 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.5 three-pointers, and 1.0 steal per game.

Unwavering Confidence

What sets France apart in this tournament is their unwavering confidence and focus. The team has been steadily building up to these dominant performances, with a clear understanding of the level of play required at the Olympic Games. 

"WE KNOW IT WON'T BE THE SAME AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES. WE MUST NOT GET CARRIED AWAY EITHER. BUT IF WE STAY ON THIS BASIS, IT'S VERY INTERESTING IN TERMS OF VALUES."
- Alexia Chery

Defensive Prowess

The team's defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of their success, as highlighted by coach Jean-Aimé Toupane. Their ability to set the tone defensively from the starting five and maintain high energy from the bench has been instrumental in their victories. Of course, he's also preaching consistency as the team moves forward.

"WILL WE BE ABLE TO REPEAT THESE PERFORMANCES FOUR OR FIVE TIMES ON A PATH OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION?"
- Jean-Aime Toupane

Sending a Message

The victory over China was a clear statement from France, marking their best performance since the Tokyo Olympic Games. The team's desire to send a message before the Paris Olympic Games was palpable, as they aimed to break free from the frustrations of the past and assert their presence on the international stage.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament unfolds, the question on everyone's mind is whether France can sustain this level of performance throughout the Olympic Games.

Coach Toupane's query, "Will we be able to repeat these performances four or five times on a path of international competition?" looms large as the team sets its sights on the ultimate prize in Paris.

In all, France's dominance in the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament has been nothing short of spectacular. Their resounding victories, led by stellar individual performances and a collective defensive mindset, have firmly established them as a team to watch in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. As they continue their relentless pursuit of excellence, the message from Xi'an is clear: France is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court.

FIBA