The United States beat France 97–79 on Sunday at Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, to win their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title, and their 12 championship overall.
In the first half, France often led USA, who had won 35 straight games. USA, which trailed 45-43 at halftime, dominated France in the third quarter 30-12 by upping their intensity and defensive pressure.
They held Gabby Williams, who had 16 in the first half, to only 4 points in the second half. Dominique Malonga led France with 21 points and 6 rebounds.
USA’s Jackie Young was named Player of the Game with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Caitlin Clark added 12 points and 3 assists in the final after struggling earlier in the tournament.
Breanna Stewart, who previously won MVP in Tenerife in 2018, earned MVP honours for the tournament in Berlin. She had 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in the final, and averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in just 23.1 minutes per game over six games in the tournament. She shot 55.3% from the field and made key buckets to lift her team.
Stewart joins Sue Bird as the only player to win four World Cup gold medals.
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