USA 80, FRA 57
The USA booked their ticket to the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup Final with a decisive 80-57 semifinals victory over France on Saturday at Palacio de Deportes in Madrid. The U.S. will be playing for their third straight U19 championship and 10th overall on Sunday.
The win improves the U.S. record against France to 6-1 all-time, including five straight, in FIBA U19 Women's World Cup play.
The U.S. will face host country Spain in the Final after they defeated Canada 77-70 on Saturday.
The USA-France box score is available here.
TEAM NOTES
Olympic City To Madrid: Consistent from the first game of the competition, the U.S. unleashed the same starters against France - Talana Lepolo, Kiki Rice, Cotie McMahon, Chloe Kitts and Grace VanSlooten. Tonight, the quintet scored 35 impactful points for the USA.
USOPTC Heroes: The USA took an 18-point lead into halftime (48-30) by attacking the hoop. The team had 38 points in the paint during the game but 26 of those came in the first 20 minutes of the game.
Pikes Peak Performers: The USA shot 43.3% (29-67 FG) from the floor and 63.6% (14-22 FT) from the line. France shot just 34.4% (21-61 FG) from the field and 61.1% (11-18 FT) from the charity stripe.
PLAYER NOTES
The Golden State: California native Londynn Jones started the USA offense in the first half with nine points off the bench. Her scoring prowess was a part of a 24-8 run by the USA entering halftime.
The Buckeye State: Ohio native VanSlooten gave her country a well-rounded effort. In 22 minutes of action, she chipped in 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting to go with four rebounds. The 13 points tie a competition best for her.
The Garden State: New Jersey native Hannah Hidalgo delivered another memorable performance for the USA. She led all bench scorers with 12 points in 22 minutes. She also pulled down three rebounds to go with two assists and a one highlight block.
What's Next
Final | USA vs. Spain | July 23 @ 3:00 p.m. ET | YouTube.com/FIBA
A game recap will be published on usab.com