SAITAMA, Japan — Marine Johannes scored 18 points and France edged Spain 67-64 on Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the women’s basketball tournament.
The French team will face host Japan in the semifinals on Friday in a rematch of a group play game. The U.S. plays Serbia in the other medal round matchup.
With France trailing by one with 1:21 left, Gabby Williams made two free throws to give the team a 63-62 lead. After forcing a shot clock violation on the next possession by Spain, Johannes banked in a runner coming across the lane with 24.4 seconds left just beating the shot clock to make it a three-point game.
Spain wasn’t finished as Maite Cazorla drove the lane to make it 65-64. Alex Duchet was quickly fouled and made the second of two free throws, giving Spain one last chance to tie or win it,
After a timeout, Silvia Dominguez threw the ball out of bounds and Williams hit one of two free throws and Cazorla’s 3-point try was well short.
When the buzzer sounded Williams spiked the ball and France celebrated at center court.
Spain had trailed by seven heading into the final quarter before outscoring France 12-2 over the first 6:30 minutes of the quarter. Maite Cazorla’s 3-pointer gave Spain it’s first lead since early in the game.
The teams traded baskets over the next few minutes before Williams’ free throws gave France the lead for good.
Astou Ndour scored 16 points for Spain, which remained on its bench stunned for 5 minutes after the game.
This game featured the last two silver medalists in the Olympics.
France led 36-30 at the half before Spain got within two early in the third quarter. Johannes scored five quick points to start an 8-0 run. Led 55-48 heading into final quarter.
Spain had gone 3-0 in group play and looked impressive in its wins. France qualified for the quarterfinals despite going 1-2 in preliminary play.
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