FRA/ESP - Epoupa finds synchronicity with Ayayi

KLAIPEDA (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - If France are to overcome Spain to reach the Final of the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women, it's more than likely both Olivia Epoupa and Valeriane Ayayi will have to play a central role in proceedings.

Not only colleagues and stand-out performers for the national team, the duo also play together at club level with Basket Landes. Indeed they both made their respective pro debuts in the French top flight last season, whilst also participating in EuroCup Women where they made an overwhelmingly positive impact.

"Basket Landes was not the first time we played together, since we have known each other ever since we were 15 years old and have played in the same team at CFBB (France's Federal Centre for Basketball)," said Epoupa.

"But yes, spending one more year with each other has created even more of a strong connection between us."

That synchronicity was in evidence during the Quarter-Finals, when France took a 51-39 success against Brazil thanks to a combined 34 points from the pair.

Although notably, Epoupa, didn't have her usual backcourt partner Lidija Turcinovic alongside her, since the shooting guard was ruled out with an injury. Additionally, France had to survive a rotten third quarter offensively, when they were locked down by Brazil and restricted to just three points in nine minutes.

"We had to re-organise to play without her (Turcinovic) and also had to adapt to playing without her," Epoupa said.

"At the beginning of the second half, Brazil came back and surprised us.

"They showed some real Brazilian euphoria with the spirit they were playing with."

Having now safely made their way into the last four, it's a familiar face lying in wait for Epoupa, Ayayi and Co.

"We have known Spain since back at our first U16 European Championship for Women and it is always an interesting game because they have a lot of qualities," smiled Epoupa.

"It will be decided by the small details and probably rebounding first, followed by turnovers, managing the ball and passing.

"We want to find our rhythm and make sure we score the easy baskets when they come to us."

As for Spain, who now find themselves one step away from a third consecutive final at the event in the wake of their 80-62 Quarter-Final win against Canada, head coach Carlos Colinas has admitted that taking a medal is the minimum requirement.

"A medal is our focus and the minimum expectation, just like during 2009 and 2011," confirmed the play-caller.

"But, we have to also enjoy this experience.

"Especially because it is very difficult to reach the Semi-Finals of any tournament.

"You have to be afraid of the Quarter-Finals, since many of the teams can be equal and know you have to win, because if you don't, then you can't recover the situation.

"Tactically we used some different tactics in defense against Canada, but it was the individual defense of some of our players which made the big difference."

The Semi-Final between these two European nations certainly presents some great match-ups all over the floor to savour, with Epoupa and Ayayi likely to be given strong challenges.

Spanish playmaker Leticia Romero will tangle with Epoupa and they have arguably the quickest hands in the tournament, whilst in-form captain Irene Gari is likely to be assigned with shackling Ayayi as part of what promises to be an exciting and intriguing encounter.

FIBA