BERLIN (France) - France once again underlined why they are one of the favorites for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup after posting a record-breaking show from long-range against Nigeria.
Playing their last group phase game and maintaining their unbeaten record, France lit it up the Berlin Arena with a breathtaking shooting effort as they made an unprecedented 22 made three-pointers.
They firstly beat their own previous high of 15 triples set against Hungary in their first outing in the German capital, while also surpassing the recent all-time record of 20 which Japan set on Day 1.
"Well, it's good, something positive", said Marine Johannes after the game.
We are pretty good when we push the ball
"We don't want to think about it. I think we are just happy about the way we are playing right now. We are sharing the ball, playing good defense so we can run the floor. We are pretty good when we push the ball."
It was in the first half in particular that they could barely miss, converting 14 from behind the arc. Gabby Williams and Marine Johannes held the hot hand, combining to go 8 of 11.
In fact, the 65 points France score in the opening 20 minutes was their highest ever in a FIBA Women's World Cup game and the joint-second most by any team this century.
Meanwhile Williams became the first French player to knock down six triples at the Women's World Cup.
With everyone talking about their imperious defense and now also being on fire from deep, everyone is now asking the question: are France the true tournament favorites to win the famous silverware?
"This group, this team, I think, is on a whole other level", shared Gabby Williams after the game.
The culture has changed
"You know, the French has always had a great talent, but I think the culture has changed. Jean-Aime, our coach really wants to push us on playing hard. He doesn't care how talented we are. If you're not giving your all on the court, then you're going to come out. We don't care what the score is. We don't care who we're playing against. We always have to bring the same energy."
In the World Cup, depth could be a factor.
"We have a lot of talent coming off the bench, so there's no excuse for us to not give our all. No one is out here playing 30 or 40 minutes. We just have to give our all and know that the intensity won't drop."
Most team 3PT made in a single game in Women's World Cup
Rank | Team | Opponent | Year | 3 PT Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | France | Nigeria | 2026 | 22 |
2 | Japan | Mali | 2026 | 20 |
3= | Japan | Kenya | 1994 | 18 |
3= | Australia | Mali | 2022 | 18 |
5 | Japan | Mali | 2022 | 16 |
6= | France | Hungary | 2026 | 15 |
6= | Belgium | Puerto Rico | 2026 | 15 |
6= | Korea | Tunisia | 2002 | 15 |
6= | Korea | Puerto Rico | 2022 | 15 |
*Since 1994
FIBA