FRA/AUS - Hosts France knock out Australia

TOULOUSE (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – France beat Australia 69-59 in the fourth and last quarter-final of the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women at the Palais des Sports in Toulouse.

Playing in front of 1,500 fans, the home side pulled away in the second half to set up a semi-final showdown with Belgium on Saturday. After losing their first two games of the Preliminary Round, Arnaud Guppillotte's girls have now won four games in a row.

France started slow, trailing 12-6 but thanks to the support of the home crowd, they got back into the game.

Australia’s duo of Tayla Roberts and Gretel Tippett helped the visitors to a good start before France rallied back and a three-pointer by Sara Chevaugeon gave them a 20-19 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Olivia Epoupa and Christelle Diallo kept the French in front until Alexandra Bunton edged Australia back in front 29-28 with 6:30 left in the first half. Claire Stievenard and Chevaugnon scored to put France up 32-30 at the break.

After the re-start, Esther Niamke, Alice Nayo and Jodie Cornelie took over and helped the host nation pull away, growing their advantage to 49-41.

Jodie Cornelie put France up by nine, 54-45 with just under seven minutes to play and despite their best efforts, Australia could not come back and threaten.

Quotes

Arnaud Guppillotte (France head coach): A quarter-final is basketball but it's also heart and bravery. We opposed heart to their technique. It was very hard for us. We had a tough start to the championship but we’ve turned our fortunes around. We move on to the next game more serenely. I am very proud of my players. There is a French phrase that says the harder, the better. Since the start of the FIBA World Championship, I guess we are sticking to it. At least I hope so.

Peter Lonergan (Australia head coach): I would like to give full credit to my colleague Arnaud Guppillotte and his wonderful team. Tonight’s game speaks volume about France. They are resilient and energised. It was a battle and we knew it would be that way. Regarding our performance, we missed too many shots. We witnessed a wonderful basketball performance in front of passionate basketball fans.

FIBA/LOc