Japan defeats France and goes to the country's first basketball final. The Japanese, believe it or not, have never won an Olympic medal in men's or women's basketball.
Japan defeated France 87-71 earn its first-ever appearance in an Olympic gold medal game. They will compete for the women's basketball title against the United States on Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, France will compete for bronze against Serbia.
Japan #8 Maki Takada contributed to Japan's early victory with eight points in the first half. In the end she scored eight points with one 3-pointers and 1/1 free throws. A total of three rebounds, one assist and one steals.
While Japan #52 Yuki Miyazawa led the team with nine points in the opening 20 minutes, ended up with scoring 14 points with three 3-pointers and 1/1 free throws, a total of seven rebounds, three assist and two steals.
Japan #13 Rui Machida was a standout for Japan during the competition. While she only had nine points, she had 18 assists, three rebounds, one steals and was in complete control of Japan's high-scoring attack from start to finish.
And the Japan top scorer is #88 Himawari Akaho, she scored 17 points with one 3-pointers and 2/2 free throws. A total of seven rebounds, two assist and one steals.
While France #7 Sandrine Gruda scored 18 points and France #4 Marine Fauthoux scored 13 points for their team. A total of eight rebound from France #15 Gabby Williams who scored only 4 points in nine attempts.
Tom Hovasse, Japan's coach looks calm but he is very pleased with the team winning the match against France.
Japan will be huge underdogs in the gold medal game against the United States, but if they play at the level they did today, the Americans may face a greater struggle than many anticipate.
Japan (JPN) 87 - 71 (FRA) France
14 [Quarter1] 22
27 [Quarter2] 12
27 [Quarter3] 16
19 [Quarter4] 21
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