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2026.09.11 13:55 GMT+8

France ends China's World Cup run with 90-61 quarterfinal win

Updated 2026.09.11 13:55 GMT+8
Sports Scene

China's Han Xu (#15) shoots a layup in the quarterfinals against France at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, September 10, 2026. /VCG

China's campaign at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup came to an end on Thursday after a 90-61 quarterfinal loss to France in Berlin.

China remained competitive early on and briefly moved ahead late in the opening quarter, with Han Xu and Yang Shuyu providing most of the team's offense. France responded to take a 25-20 lead after the first period before taking command of the contest in the second.

The French drove an 11-0 run to open up the first double-digit advantage and increasingly punished China for turnovers and second-chance opportunities. China scored only 11 points in the second quarter as France went into halftime with a 48-31 lead.

China tried to respond after the break but never managed to seriously threaten the French advantage. Han led the team with 21 points and nine rebounds on 8-of-13 shooting, while Yang finished with 19 points and five assists.

China's Yang Shuyu (#6) shoots in the quarterfinals against France at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, September 10, 2026. /VCG

Zhang Ziyu added seven points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes, but China struggled collectively to protect the ball and keep France off the offensive glass. France collected 18 offensive rebounds and China committed 18 turnovers, contributing to a huge disparity in shot attempts, with France taking 79 field goals to China's 50.

France also did significant damage to China from long range, making 13 three-pointers to set a Women's World Cup quarterfinal record. It was the fourth consecutive game in which the French made at least 12 shots from beyond the arc.

Marine Johannes and Janelle Salaun led France with 15 points each, with Johannes also providing seven assists. Gabby Williams contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, while Leila Lacan scored 12 as France spread the offensive load across its lineup.

France maintained its control throughout the second half to reach the World Cup semifinals for the first time under the tournament's knockout format. The French will next face Germany on Saturday.

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