BERLIN, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- France ended host Germany's title hopes with an 86-64 semifinal victory on Saturday before the United States beat Spain 76-66 to set up a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup final against France.
Germany briefly moved ahead 23-22 through Marie Guelich with 37 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, their only lead of the game, but France responded with a 12-5 run spanning the first two periods to take control at 34-26.
The hosts threatened to close the gap with a 7-0 third-quarter run that reduced France's advantage from 54-38 to 54-45. Nyara Sabally scored five points during that burst, but France regained control before finishing with a 12-0 run over the final 4:06.
Gabby Williams led all scorers with 22 points while adding five rebounds, five assists and four steals, shooting eight-of-12 from the field without committing a turnover. Janelle Salaun also contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds for France, with Marine Johannes adding 13.
"I think we didn't deal well with the pressure France put on us," Lina Sontag said after the game. "That sent us into a spiral that we couldn't get out of. It is frustrating."
In the other semifinal, Spain raced into a 9-1 lead inside two minutes before Chelsea Gray's difficult three-pointer helped settle the Americans.
The United States recovered to lead 22-18 after the first quarter, but Spain stayed close and trailed only 39-36 at halftime. Iyana Martin helped Spain draw level at 56-56 before the teams entered the final period tied 58-58.
The Americans finally created separation in the fourth quarter, opening a 72-62 advantage with four minutes remaining. Breanna Stewart finished with a team-high 16 points and Jackie Young scored 12. Martin and Marta Conde scored 17 apiece for Spain.
Germany will face Spain in Sunday's third-place game, before the United States meet France for the title in Berlin. ■
