Following two lopsided victories once morest Finland and a decisive win once morest Serbia, the French women’s basketball team continued their flawless pre-Paris Games preparation by dominating Japan (75-62). Japan, known for their unorthodox playing style, attempted an astounding 40 three-pointers out of their 57 total shots in the match, played on Friday in Reims.
With a revamped starting lineup, featuring Romane Bernies replacing Marine Fauthoux at point guard, the Bleues struggled to find their rhythm early on. They faced difficulties with defensive rotations and rebounding despite their clear size advantage. It was two dazzling three-pointers from Marine Johannès, entering the game off the bench, at the end of the first quarter, including one at the buzzer, that propelled the Bleues into the lead (19-14, 10′).
Ayayi’s Decisive Performance After Halftime
The French team continued to struggle in the second quarter, as Japan’s 13-3 scoring run kept them in the game (33-30, 18′). It wasn’t until the third quarter that the Blues finally started to utilize their strengths, relying on their inside players, especially Valériane Ayayi (12 points, 5 rebounds). Ayayi’s sharp play, including eight points early in the third quarter, set the tone for the Bleues, allowing them to take control of the game (60-45, 30′). Gabby Williams (14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) also contributed significantly to the team’s success.
While the French team showed improvement, the messy end to the game saw them revert to old habits. They never truly dominated the clumsy Japanese, but they also managed to avoid any serious setbacks. This game provided Coach Jean-Aimé Toupane with opportunities to make strong decisions for the Paris Games. He solidified Bernies’ position in the starting lineup over Fauthoux, and he limited the playing time of Janelle Salaün, Alexia Chery, Leïla Lacan and Dominique Malonga, none of whom played more than ten minutes.
The French women will conclude their preparations on Sunday in Reims with a match once morest China. Though a stronghold of women’s basketball for many years, China has experienced a decline recently, losing eight of their last ten preparation matches since June.
The French women’s basketball team has continued its impressive form leading up to the Paris Games, defeating Japan 75-62 in a dominant display. With a revised starting lineup featuring Romane Bernies replacing Marine Fauthoux at point guard, the Bleues showcased their dominance once morest a Japanese team known for their three-point heavy offensive strategy, attempting an astonishing 40 three-pointers out of 57 total shots.
Despite a clear size advantage, the Bleues faced early challenges with defensive rotations and rebounding. It was Marine Johannès, coming off the bench, who ignited the French offense with two crucial three-pointers at the end of the first quarter, including one at the buzzer. This propelled them to a 19-14 lead heading into the second quarter.
Ayayi Leads the Charge following Halftime
The break did little to ease the French woes, as Japan’s 13-3 run kept them within striking distance at 33-30. It was not until the third quarter that the Blues began to play to their strengths, utilizing their interior advantage effectively, especially Valériane Ayayi. The standout forward, who finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds, set the tone with eight points early in the third, opening up a 60-45 lead. This surge in momentum was aided by the contributions of Gabby Williams (14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists).
However, the French team lost its rhythm in the closing stages, returning to their earlier struggles once morest a disjointed Japanese side. Despite the lack of a convincing finish, the match provided coach Jean-Aimé Toupane with valuable insights for the Paris Games. The decision to start Bernies rather than Fauthoux was reinforced, while limited minutes were given to Janelle Salaün, Alexia Chery, Leïla Lacan, and Dominique Malonga, all of whom saw less than ten minutes on the court.
The French women’s basketball team will conclude their preparation campaign on Sunday in Reims once morest China. While traditionally a powerhouse in the sport, the Chinese squad has struggled recently, losing eight of their last ten preparation games.
Keys to the French Win: Dominating Inside and Exploiting Strengths
- Interior Advantage: The Blues used their height advantage to their advantage, exploiting the mismatch once morest the Japanese defense. Valériane Ayayi was particularly effective, showcasing her strength and skill in the paint.
- Defensive Intensity: While initially facing challenges, the French defense tightened up as the game progressed. They disrupted Japan’s reliance on three-pointers, forcing them into lower percentage shots.
- Offensive Variety: The Bleues showcased a versatile offensive attack, utilizing both inside and outside scoring options. Gabby Williams’ playmaking ability and Marine Johannès’ shooting prowess contributed greatly to their success.
Evaluating Japan’s Performance: A Disjointed Approach
- Three-point Focus: Japan’s strategy of relying heavily on three-pointers was ultimately their downfall. Their high volume of attempts resulted in a low percentage, as their lack of penetration and inside scoring options made them predictable.
- Defensive Struggles: The Japanese team struggled defensively once morest the French inside game. They had difficulty containing the dominant presence of players like Ayayi and Williams.
- Lack of Consistency: While showing flashes of brilliance, their performance was inconsistent. They failed to string together a sustained offensive flow and struggled to maintain defensive intensity.
The Road Ahead: Preparing for the Paris Games
The win over Japan adds another positive step in the French team’s preparation for the Paris Games. The match provided Coach Toupane with valuable insights to refine his team’s strategy and solidify his starting lineup. While the team faces challenges in the form of defensive rotations and rebounding – areas they must address before the Games – they are showing promising signs, fueled by Ayayi’s leading presence inside and Williams’ playmaking ability. Their final pre-Games matchup once morest China will be a crucial test, giving them one last chance to iron out flaws and build confidence before the global stage.
