- 2 months ago
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:00Berlin for day four of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
00:05All the coverage coming to you on TNT Sports.
00:07The steady champions of Afro Basket Nigeria in search of its first win at this year's World Cup.
00:14While France is already booked for the quarterfinals, they look to tune it up at 2-0 entering today's game
00:21at Berlin Arena.
00:23Brendan Glasheen and Sarah Kustak.
00:25Sarah, we dive in to the third leading scorer at this World Cup.
00:29Amy Okonkwo.
00:30Despite the two losses for Nigeria, Okonkwo has been so good in how she's been able to find her spots
00:35on the floor and be effective on the inside.
00:37On the outside, she's got a forcefulness in her attack.
00:41And she can stretch you out from three as well.
00:4350% from deep.
00:45That's been a huge aspect of how complete her game is.
00:48But speaking of a complete game, Gabby Williams, you can't do it much better.
00:52France has been clicking on all cylinders, and she has been the key cog that has got them going.
00:57So when you look at the numbers, you look at the level of accuracy, but more than anything, it's a
01:01great feel.
01:02It's an understanding how to have a balance of how she's been attacking and also facilitating for her team.
01:07Leigh Blue rolling offensively with the number one scoring offense, top field goal percentage.
01:12Salon was the standout at the qualifiers.
01:15She is a threat from the outside.
01:17Leila Lacan, the team leader in assists at four and a half per game.
01:20As for Nigeria, Elizabeth Balogun has been outstanding as well.
01:27The player development contract player of the New York Liberty is still finding her footing here in Berlin.
01:33We're set for basketball.
01:34The first of our triple header on TNT Sports is off and running.
01:40Both countries of Group B, Nigeria, in search of its first win.
01:48A couple of high ball screens are set for Kalou on the kickout.
01:53Salon is dripping steel.
01:55This is indicative of how France wants to play.
01:58They will get in passing lanes.
02:00They've got length.
02:00They've got quickness, and they will look to turn you over to fuel their offense.
02:04Number one in the World Cup in steals.
02:07Lacan operates around the screen.
02:09Skip pass.
02:10Hayai is denied.
02:12Excellent rotation by Elizabeth Balogun to deny the shot.
02:15And what a great job moving with the basketball.
02:17That's something that Nigeria will have to do.
02:20Big time coming through.
02:21Hayai.
02:22A little slower on that release, and that's where you need to be mindful.
02:26Because speaking of the defensive end, Nigeria can be really stout.
02:31Williams deep triple.
02:33And they, too, did a great job against Hungary, creating 25 points off turnovers.
02:38Marzana to Moussa off the mark.
02:41Hayai on the leak out.
02:43Lays it in.
02:44France is on the board first.
02:46Transition defense is going to be of the utmost importance here for Nigeria.
02:49France is excellent in their execution in the half court, but when they get it going in the open court,
02:55it's been a lot of good night.
02:57Valerian Ayai did a little bit of everything in France's last game against Korea.
03:02Eight points, eight rebounds, five assists, a plus 34 in the box score.
03:09Stop and start by Balogun.
03:11Deep in the paint.
03:12Tried to hoist.
03:13There's the activity of Ayai.
03:17It's France ball.
03:18Shot clock violation.
03:19What Nigeria will continue to find, France, they're really good in their individual defense, but they'll switch a lot off
03:26of those ball screens.
03:27And we know Rina Wakama has done a tremendous job with this group and how she continues to find ways
03:32to just make little tweaks in what they need to do.
03:35But offensively, shifting of the defense is going to be really key.
03:39Rina's been the Nigerian national head coach since June 2023.
03:44A little familiar with her at Unrivaled with Kai's Basketball Club.
03:49What an awesome individual to bring the enthusiasm to this Nigeria team, which I think we can all remember the
03:56mental run they had in Paris in 2024 at the Olympics.
04:00There's seven rotation players on this roster that were at that team, so they've got a lot of confidence.
04:06They've got a lot of belief, and despite this being their last game here, there's still a lot to take
04:11from it, and you know they're going to compete.
04:19Lacan hustles for the ball, chisels by a defender as she turned the corner.
04:24Salon is set up for a three.
04:26Splash.
04:27Janelle Salon, her third three of this tournament.
04:30We've seen a lot of that.
04:31In a lot of the set, they know that they want to get three-point shots, but for Salon, she
04:36is so good in the corners off those setups.
04:3940% three-point shooter for second place Golden State in the WNBA.
04:44Nigeria answers.
04:45Balogun makes it rain.
04:48And B, that's when they're issued.
04:49They have not been able to be efficient from the field, in particular from three.
04:59Salon has stopped at the free-throw line.
05:01Ayai, back to Salon.
05:03Sidestep three.
05:05Caught the front of the rim.
05:07Williams came in for an offensive rebound try, and she got fouled.
05:13Got pretty hard in the hip as she was coming through, trying to follow up that board.
05:20And that's what's going to be for France.
05:21A lot of, or for Nigeria, a lot of the little things.
05:25See a three go through early.
05:26They're doing a good job in their compete, but very narrow margin for errors.
05:30So the boards is something, if you force a miss, you've got to make sure to finish off that possession.
05:36Obi and Musa each have a personal foul for Nigeria in the opening three minutes.
05:40That's the third team foul.
05:42That's the third team foul.
05:46Alou, this time with Guilty Party, who averages three steals per game to lead Nigeria.
05:540-2 thus far.
05:55France 2-0.
05:57We'll see him in the quarterfinals later this week.
06:01Fine-tuning to get ready for what they hope is a deep run.
06:05Yeah, I mean, we heard Tina, Renee, Lauren talking about it.
06:08The standard.
06:09They've set the standard.
06:11A swish from Salon, her second triple.
06:13And they keep building on it.
06:15And that's why, despite where they're sitting, how they play,
06:18you know they want to continue to work to grow with one another through the course of this tournament.
06:23They keep getting better as these days go on.
06:25France in search of its first podium finish at the World Cup
06:28since the inaugural edition in 1953.
06:32Williams highly motivated on this stage.
06:35The captain of Le Bleu puts him up eight.
06:38Timeout, Nigeria.
06:42Top scoring country at the FIBA World Cup.
06:46France averaging 97 a game.
06:48They've got 11.
06:58Watching the growth of Rina Wakama in real time.
07:01Chicago Sky assistant.
07:02And she has her hands full to guard the perimeter.
07:04Has her hands full.
07:05And you see just the three-point shots falling with ease for France.
07:10First couple games, they were well over 43%.
07:13And a big part of it, too, is because they're such a threatened attack.
07:16And getting the basket, they're slashing.
07:18Do a great job in their penetration and kicks.
07:20But you said it.
07:21I mean, Rina Wakama has done a tremendous job.
07:23She was voted the best coach at the 2024 Olympics
07:27as Nigeria made it out of the group stages for the first time.
07:30She's the first female head coach of the Nigerian national team.
07:35And so it's been fun to watch her ascension and her growth with this group.
07:41Nigeria now 1 of 5 from the floor.
07:43Lacan thought about the transition try.
07:46Williams back to Lacan.
07:483 in the air.
07:50France has attempted nine shots.
07:53Seven from behind the three-point line.
07:55They have taken the second most threes per game.
07:57Only behind Japan.
07:58Who we will see later today.
08:01Musa off the mark.
08:05Johannes has checked in.
08:06The leading scorer at 17 a game.
08:09She's hit eight threes thus far at the FIBA World Cup.
08:14Kalou deep in the paint.
08:16Hunting her shot.
08:17And a late whistle.
08:18That's a foul on France.
08:19France picks up a foul there where they've been impressive to this point in the tournament
08:24and something to continue to monitor here today.
08:27Long threes oftentimes, if you're not necessarily, you're not going to make everyone,
08:30can lead to some runouts, lead to some longer rebounds.
08:33They've been very intentional, though, about making sure off those shots to get back.
08:37And for Nigeria, a team that, when they can, likes to run,
08:41that's an aspect to be mindful of, because oftentimes some of those rebounds can help start your break.
08:51As an egg Kalou at the free-throw line for Nigeria.
08:56We talked about unrivaled earlier, it's back for season three.
09:00The fast-paced, action-packed women's 3v3 league returns featuring players like Nafisa Collier,
09:06Paige Beckers, Chelsea Gray, all of USA Basketball, and more.
09:10Season three begins January 2027 on TNT, True TV, and HBO Max.
09:16You ready?
09:17More than ready.
09:19And for France, Gabby Williams, Marine Johannes, they will be part of Unrivaled for the first time.
09:25Dominique Molongo.
09:26Big time, big time.
09:28A returner.
09:30Fresh into the ballgame, 14 in blue.
09:34And looks like Salama's out of bounds, indeed, on sidelines.
09:39And well done, Nigeria dropping to his zone went off that possession,
09:42but you see how quick the ball movement is.
09:44When they're all drawn in on the collapse,
09:46France is going to look for those quick kickouts, extra passes.
09:50Off that possession, Nigeria does a nice job with the rotation.
09:58Swarming defense by France.
10:01Nigeria coughs it up.
10:02Pauline Astier in the lineup as well now for the French national team.
10:08Williams off to work.
10:10Fadeaway mid-range is good.
10:13Five points for Williams.
10:15She's just steady.
10:16Team's been taking some threes, not making them a handful of possessions.
10:20She just gets them into something easy there with the mid-range.
10:24It's a big part of her awareness.
10:28Count the basket and the foul for Nigeria.
10:32Tough take by Victoria McCauley.
10:34Gets it to drop and one.
10:37First field goal in the last few minutes now for Nigeria.
10:40And speaking of, McCauley's had a solid tournament to this point, double digits in each of the first two games.
10:46You can see it there.
10:48Gets to her spot.
10:48Uses that 6'3 size to be able to not only pick up a foul, but shoot over Salon.
10:56It completes the three-point play.
10:58McCauley averaging about 11 points per game at the FIBA World Cup.
11:02Spent four years at Temple University.
11:06Astier sprays it.
11:07Johannes does the rest.
11:09Ninth three-pointer here in Berlin for Marine Johannes.
11:18Nine-point lead for France.
11:20Four and a half minutes to go in the opening quarter.
11:22It's a two-nut game.
11:23France is already quarterfinal bound.
11:28Congested play inside.
11:29It leads to a held ball thanks to Malanga.
11:32And that's an excellent help by Malanga.
11:34You said it.
11:34Mismatch on the inside with McCauley and Astier trying to battle against her with the size disadvantage.
11:40And Malanga does a really nice job just sliding over to add a little aid.
11:46Dominique Malanga averaging 15 and a half points per game through two outings in Berlin.
11:52France leading rebounder.
11:54Also 13 of 18 from the floor.
11:56In stride.
11:57Made the grab.
11:58And snatched away by Nigeria.
12:04Downhill action.
12:05Malanga rises up defensively.
12:08Okonkwo has had a quiet start to this game.
12:11Oh, the kick out!
12:12McCauley for three.
12:14Big time.
12:15Nice play there by Nigeria.
12:16Getting it to the corner.
12:19On the other end of Astier.
12:21So McCauley's got three the hard way.
12:24And then knocking down the pocket triple.
12:29And McCauley's been good so far this tournament.
12:31She's shot the three ball well.
12:33Already five of seven and now add to it.
12:36Pass deflected.
12:37Astier with the snag.
12:39Williams runs the other end.
12:41Couldn't lay it in.
12:42Batted by Johannes.
12:44Heads up play.
12:44Off the kneecap of Nigeria.
12:47Frantz Paul.
12:54I'm sure if you're...
12:57Janine Toupon, the head coach of France,
12:59you want, as Tina Charles has said in the studio,
13:01foot on the gas.
13:03Even though you know you're heading to the quarters,
13:06want to continue to play the way you play.
13:08Play the way you play, one, with that carryover.
13:10And two, just continue to work on things.
13:13Astier, a bruise and a bucket.
13:17You can go down the line with all these individuals.
13:19They have been in the midst of their WNBA season
13:23or playing otherwise professionally.
13:24And so coming together, despite the fact there's a lot of continuity
13:27with this French group,
13:29they still haven't had a lot of time.
13:31As they got set this past week
13:33and heading into this tournament.
13:34And you know the expectation of what they want to accomplish,
13:38what they believe they can do.
13:39You said it over and over again.
13:41It still has to be in the back of their mind
13:43of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal game,
13:47losing by just one point.
13:49And so this is a very determined bunch.
13:51And all of these moments and games matter significantly.
13:55Johannes.
13:58Assertive to lay it in.
14:00Johannes up to five.
14:02Second chance points for France.
14:03They've already racked up five offensive rebounds
14:06in the first seven minutes of this game.
14:09Group stage play wraps up on this Labor Day Monday.
14:15Qualifiers for the quarters on Tuesday and Wednesday.
14:19One-footed jump shot by Luka Mera.
14:24Just a bit off.
14:25And there was contact underneath France Ball.
14:29You see here, Kanaya working on the inside.
14:32Maureen Johannis on the take.
14:34She makes things look so smooth and easy.
14:37Duck a lot about her flair, her flash,
14:41some of the magic she comes up with.
14:42Her imagination.
14:43Yeah.
14:45We'll get a taste of it today.
14:47Seated all week.
14:49In the week two.
14:52Slick pass.
14:53Working on the perimeter.
14:54Touré for three.
14:56Elite ball movement by the French.
14:59That's the character of this French group.
15:04France has drilled eight of its last 11 shot attempts.
15:09Touré the push pass.
15:10Ayai out to Malanga.
15:11A collapse by Okonkwo.
15:23Hot hand.
15:25Macaulay off the mark.
15:27Important couple minutes here.
15:28Anytime you're closing on a quarter for both sides.
15:32It happens so fast with France.
15:35A 9-0 run.
15:36Nigeria was right in this ballgame.
15:37Touré.
15:39Right corner this time.
15:41Doesn't get it to drop.
15:42And that's why, if you can look at this,
15:44to try and cover the single digits.
15:46Make a couple baskets.
15:47Get a couple stops.
15:49At least make sure France can't open it up more
15:52as they head into the second quarter.
15:54Because you're right.
15:54And a big part of that is the way that they can pick you.
15:57Get some steals.
15:57Extra possessions.
15:59But also how they shoot the three.
16:01And so much of that comes down to their passing.
16:03They continue to rotate you to find the best quality look.
16:08And that's what's led to them shooting only 44% so far
16:12in this tournament from deep.
16:1442% so far today.
16:16They've hit five threes.
16:18Four different players have chipped in from behind the arc.
16:2390 seconds to go in the first.
16:28So Hannes in the air.
16:31Yes!
16:32Magic trick!
16:3618-point lead for France.
16:42You said it.
16:44So smooth.
16:45Eight points for Marine Johans.
16:51Mukamara had the ball up top and a bit congested inside.
16:56There is no defensive three seconds.
16:58You can clog that paint up.
17:07I think also you're getting an opportunity to see as we see Astier go to the bench.
17:12Carla Lake coming in who's had a tremendous rookie season so far with the Portland Fire and the WNBA.
17:19The depth of this group in addition to all the talent they have.
17:24One minute to go in the first quarter.
17:27Shadeaway jumper off the mark.
17:29Offensive rebound.
17:31And Ibakwe got hit in the process.
17:37Nigeria cut this game to six.
17:40It was 16-10 since France on a 12-0 run.
17:43And that's the part.
17:44And you said it.
17:44It just all it takes is a couple possessions of missed shots.
17:48France is going to take a high volume of three-point shots of which they do a great job connecting
17:54consistently with.
17:55And they themselves don't make a lot of mistakes.
17:58And I think that's the thing for Nigeria, which they found in that first game that they played against Korea.
18:04It turned the ball over a ton.
18:06It was a really challenging game for Nigeria in terms of their ball protection on the flip side of things.
18:12They did a great job turning Hungary over.
18:15Loose ball turns into a three for Elizabeth Balagun.
18:20Longa shaken up on the play.
18:27Coach Tupon, when we watch him, Ilonga is held to her feet.
18:34Take a look at that.
18:36Oh, yeah, that right knee or right leg.
18:41You see as Ibakwe is flying in and just gets her.
18:49Obviously, not that tension anymore.
18:59Maryam Badian checks in for Malanga.
19:03Give her a breather.
19:06France has been highly efficient.
19:08This entire tournament continues in their third game.
19:1255% shooting.
19:14Take inside by Badian.
19:15Right to work.
19:17Scooped up by Nigeria.
19:22Hot hand.
19:23Balagun, no.
19:26Just made one from the deep corner.
19:31In this first quarter.
19:33Game clock and shot clock.
19:36Right on the money.
19:38Aligned.
19:40Late.
19:42Ayayi sends it to Johannes.
19:4511 first quarter points.
19:52Marine Johannes.
19:55France's leading score at 17.
19:57Again, she's got 11 already.
19:58Speaking of alignment, she's doing a lot of that.
20:01Lining it up and been highly efficient here for France early.
20:05A big 18-point lead at the end of one is group stage play wrap.
20:10The French heat in Berlin, courtesy of the Higo Telestream.
20:14It just continues.
20:15And you look right here.
20:17The efficiency from three, 50% so far in this game is predicated on the passing.
20:22You watch the penetration, get the paint, collapse the defense.
20:26They've worked the pick and rolls and continue to find the extra player.
20:29And it's a big reason why France is so connected.
20:32You see the enthusiasm from their captain in Gabby Williams.
20:36But overall, it's helped lead to this lead for a team that just keeps rolling.
20:4212 buckets in that first quarter.
20:44Eight for assisted.
20:45Layla Lacan dashes to the rack to lay it in.
20:49A 20 spot for France.
20:52Second quarter is underway.
20:55Coughed up.
20:56Stolen by late.
20:58Absorbs some contact from Amuka Mara.
21:03Fouls on the floor.
21:05Nigeria 0-2.
21:07France 2-0.
21:08Both countries of group B.
21:13Malanga on the bike after taking a hard fall and hit to the lower body at the end of the
21:20first.
21:22Chohannes with 11 first quarter points.
21:25Skip pass to Ceylon.
21:26Jab, fire.
21:28Up to Chort.
21:30We'll see France later this week for sure.
21:33In the quarters.
21:35Nigeria.
21:37Plays for pride today.
21:39Picked off by Lacan.
21:41Zips it to Ceylon.
21:45France sets up shot.
21:4817 to 3-1.
21:51Lomb pass into Badian.
21:53Turnaround jumper on the block.
21:54And that's where there's such a huge challenge.
21:57Because for as much as we can talk about the three-point shooting, what does it do?
22:00It opens up the floor for France.
22:01And that they can use this interior passing, the ability to set screens, work in the middle shoot of the
22:07floor, and use their size.
22:09So there's a multitude of ways of which they can come at you when they are very surgical in how
22:15they read, see the defense, and find what's open.
22:19We had the France opener against Hungary on Friday.
22:23They won 99-53, hit 15 three-pointers, scored 29 points of Hungary turnovers.
22:30Then they go to Saturday against Korea.
22:32They trailed by 7 at the end of 1, and then they came out hot in the second quarter.
22:37Their defense fueled them.
22:39At any given moment, they can twist a game.
22:43Badian is denied.
22:44Excellent pursuit by Igbokwe.
22:48Rita Igbokwe with the blocked shot.
22:53La Conquo, the third leading scorer here in Berlin, has yet to get going.
22:58No points.
23:00That was her first shot.
23:02La Conquo spots up.
23:03A three.
23:06Another three-point shot goes down, but again, what is it?
23:09It's a push and transition by Salon.
23:11She gets it to the paint.
23:13Great things happen for France when that happens.
23:16Puts a lot of pressure on the defense and finds that quick kickout.
23:20There you go.
23:21La Conquo, smooth with the motion.
23:23Three-point shots keep falling.
23:26A 7-0 spurt to open the second quarter.
23:30Back door.
23:30Keep moving.
23:31You can't hide behind the ball.
23:32All right, here we go.
23:33Show me who you are right now.
23:35One, two, three.
23:36Nigeria.
23:40Marina Wakama, head coach of Nigeria, trying to give her team a spark.
23:46Well, in exactly everything she's saying, so offensively, she's talking about some of the
23:50sets they're going to run to keep it simple, to create, but in particular, against this
23:54French defense, as we've spoken about, they're everywhere, and what they do is get into bodies.
23:59They're physical off the basketball.
24:01It doesn't allow for as much freedom of movement and cutting actions, and so that's what she's
24:06mentioned.
24:06If they're getting in passing lanes, if they're denying, if they're into the ball, find those
24:10areas to back cut, to find some lanes, utilize that with them, and match that level of physicality.
24:17Already eight steals for the French.
24:21Shot clock dwindles to five.
24:24Kalou misses the mid-range.
24:26This was a 16-10 ball game.
24:29France was up six, and wow, that's changed fast.
24:3622-3-1, extended here in this second quarter by the French national team, blanking Nigeria
24:437-0 in this quarter.
24:48Carla Late of the Portland Fire, zigzags, finds Salon.
24:54Lacan side step three.
24:58And it's gobbled up by Musa.
25:02She picked up her dribble, needs some assistance, so that was a bullet.
25:06Crossed the timeline.
25:12How can Nigeria get Amy Okonkul going specifically?
25:16Well, what France is doing a great job is really keying in on her.
25:19And you see it in the multitude of players that they continue to throw at her.
25:23But I think a big part of it, too, I would love to see, because she can create, and she
25:27does such a great job,
25:28but in the horn set that Rena Wakama was talking about, or setting some, just try and set some screens
25:33to free her up.
25:35And that's both with the ball, but also off the basketball.
25:37But I would give a lot of credit to France for how they continue to just stay on her,
25:43and they're always one pass away with a second individual ready to help,
25:46because they know that she is such an important part of how this offense functions.
25:55NHL on TNT returns Wednesday, September 30th, headlined by the Battle of Pennsylvania.
26:00Sidney Cosby and the Penguins visit Trevor Segrist and the Flyers,
26:04followed by a Western Conference matchup with Artemi Panarin and the Kings.
26:08They visit Nathan McKinnon and the Avalanche.
26:10Coverage begins at 6 p.m. Eastern, September 30th on TNT, True TV, and HBO Max.
26:16And things like that can't happen.
26:18Just a breakdown in defensive transition.
26:21Nigeria's back.
26:22They just don't pick up the basketball miscommunication of who's taking it.
26:25Someone needs to.
26:27Can't have a wide-open layup in a circumstance like that.
26:30Many hockey assists today for France with their ball moving.
26:34Well done, yeah.
26:35We love a hockey assist.
26:37I wish they kept track of those.
26:39Me too.
26:40Many levels.
26:41I'm sure.
26:41I think my assist numbers, I would have, you know, pat them up a little bit.
26:46No, but it is a beautiful thing.
26:47And those are the type of passes you see it for France in their offense,
26:52cross-sport for a lot of teams.
26:54That's what really can make it so challenging on a defense
26:58when you're moving the ball that quickly, when it doesn't stick.
27:01Fast break, late, and Lacan share it.
27:07Williams to Salon.
27:09Swirls in a three.
27:11France has hit nine of them now from deep.
27:16to clinic over their first three games at the 2026 FIBA World Cup.
27:25Great to have you with us for day four in Berlin.
27:31Final day of group stage competition.
27:34Knockout rounds start tomorrow.
27:36Tee!
27:41Nigeria still in search of answers.
27:44You've noticed, and even Coach Wacom brought it up in the huddle,
27:47they're pushing us around.
27:49We're seeing a more of an inspired effort to find good shots
27:54and match the physicality of France.
27:57We are.
27:58And the tough part for Nigeria, though, is that you're making those efforts.
28:03You can match that, but just shots are not falling.
28:05And against France, that's where, when we look at this lead
28:09and how quickly it tends to balloon, that's a big part of it.
28:13Williams lets it fly.
28:15Pure.
28:15They can get stops.
28:17They're coming down on the other end.
28:18They're draining threes.
28:21You're trying to run them off the line and contest them.
28:23What do they do?
28:23They go to the inside.
28:24They just have a lot of counters for what you try and put on them.
28:29Ten first-half threes for France,
28:32and we still have five-and-a-half minutes to go in the second quarter.
28:37We'll see Japan later today.
28:39They hit 20 in the opener.
28:40France is halfway there.
28:43I think that new record of Japan's from threes
28:48might be in danger of being broken here today.
28:56That's not a hot take.
28:58No.
28:58It's a good read by you.
29:01When you give me numbers to back it up, I can be logical.
29:04I'm just excited for more Higo Telestrator.
29:07You put a lot of pressure on our crew.
29:09Come on.
29:13Slow your roll, Brendan.
29:14It's a tease.
29:15We got a couple games left in us.
29:17Hopefully it's a tease.
29:25Some pressure here by Nigeria.
29:28This is what you're talking about slowing something.
29:30Hopefully this can slow them into getting into their set
29:33and exactly what they want to do,
29:35take some of the time off the shot clock.
29:39Johannes had 11 in the first.
29:41Salon's got nine total.
29:43Williams rack up another triple.
29:46That's her third, and Williams has 11.
29:5011 total threes for France.
29:54Lacan is frustrated.
29:56Call for the foul.
30:00Fosa Aguibor drew it.
30:04You see the contest running out, high hand.
30:08And you're worried about the dig down.
30:10Nigeria, on that last possession, was in a zone,
30:13coming back off that foot court pressure,
30:14dropping into a zone.
30:16And part of me wants to say that there's too much room.
30:20You've got to know what France is looking to do.
30:21But they're just so good about where and how they get the ball,
30:25using their balance, and their spacing on the floor,
30:29that for Nigeria, it's been hard to get out and cover
30:31in a way that's forced them to miss.
30:33One.
30:42Midway point of the second.
30:49Astier.
30:51Deep paint position.
30:52Dump it into Malanga.
30:55Offensive foul.
30:56It was too much of a lowering of the shoulder.
30:57She probably didn't even need that.
30:59But the bump off to create space.
31:01And even a circumstance like that for Malanga,
31:03I think her continued evolution,
31:05and we've had the great fortune of watching her a lot,
31:09both with Seattle and the WNBA, her play with Unrivaled.
31:12She does have the size.
31:14She has some strength.
31:15But single coverage of where she is on the block
31:17off that possession to try and get herself closer to the hoop.
31:24Malanga debuted for the French senior team
31:26at 18 years old at the Paris Olympics,
31:29was the youngest member of Le Bleu.
31:34Think about that, she's only 20 years old.
31:37Yeah.
31:38You're reminded from time to time that she's still scratching the surface.
31:45Brendan Glashie and Sarah Kustak
31:47stay tapped in for our studio crew,
31:50Lauren Jabara, Tina Charles,
31:52Renee Montgomery for a first half breakdown.
31:55And I'm sure they'll dive into,
31:58at some point throughout the day,
31:59because we have the United States later on on TNT.
32:03We've talked about France.
32:04They pose a threat.
32:06If you're the United States watching this,
32:08what comes to mind?
32:10How do you defend this team?
32:11I think, though, for USA,
32:14and we heard Tina and Renee and Lauren talking about this,
32:17both yesterday and today,
32:19like, that could be the best thing for that USA team,
32:23the threat that they had yesterday with Italy,
32:26but to still walk away with a win,
32:28watching how they played,
32:29navigating, going through a shared experience
32:31with one another of something that close.
32:34And I think they knew what they were up against.
32:36We'll go back to, you know, saying it.
32:38You go back to a lot of the members,
32:41the same members on both rosters in the 2024 Paris Olympics,
32:44how that went down.
32:45These players are familiar with one another.
32:47I don't think it's a surprise to USA
32:50or to anyone to see this level of talent.
32:52They knew it coming in.
32:53I think for USA,
32:54a huge part of it is just acclimation
32:57and the quickness of it with one another,
32:59not having a ton of time together.
33:01They had the December training camp.
33:03They were together in March for the qualifiers.
33:05It wasn't necessarily the completeness of the roster.
33:07They're playing without Asia Wilson
33:08and without Kelsey Plum.
33:10So what does that look like
33:11in gelling together in this compact of a time?
33:15And so I think right now for USA,
33:17they have an opportunity today against Czechia
33:20to keep working with that.
33:22But I think for them,
33:23it's more about taking care of what they can of themselves.
33:27Second steal for Williams, coast to coast.
33:2913 points for Gabby Williams.
33:33Now takes over as the leading scorer for France.
33:36Johannes with 11 in the first quarter.
33:39Yeah, France has eight players
33:41on the 2026 World Cup roster
33:44that played at the 24 Paris Olympics.
33:47They earned silver.
33:52Molonga contested the three,
33:53but the front rim dropped for Nigeria.
33:56Got to feel good to see one go through
33:59with the separation by France.
34:01And think about the new players on the roster,
34:05the new faces.
34:05You're watching one with the ball
34:07and Pauline Astier,
34:08which probably not a good example
34:09is she just got her pocket pick.
34:11But you got Carla Late,
34:12who I already mentioned,
34:14has been tremendous this season
34:15with the Portland Fire.
34:17Pauline Astier has been so good
34:20with the New York Liberty,
34:21her experience of that,
34:22and now transferring over Torre Day.
34:24Like the players that are new faces
34:27to this team in this circumstance
34:29have made an impact here early on.
34:32It just adds to the depth of this group.
34:36And having watched France now
34:38for two and a half games just about,
34:41it's still stunning
34:42to say that they are in search
34:44of their first podium finish.
34:46They are looking to medal
34:47at the FIBA World Cup
34:48for the first time
34:49since the inaugural edition in 1953.
34:54Wow.
34:56They've qualified for seven in a row,
34:58including this year.
35:0012 overall.
35:03And they've carried great momentum
35:06these last handful of years.
35:11And the score was 16-10.
35:14It's been a 37-12 run since.
35:25Astier and Williams share the backcourt
35:28as well as Johannes.
35:31Hayai and Aminate Gay
35:34getting some burn here for France.
35:38Johannes on the skip, sidestep,
35:40another magic trick!
35:44Oh!
35:45She just flings it up so freely.
35:47Eight away from the tie.
35:51Japan hit 20
35:53to set the tone and set the table.
35:58Back on Friday.
36:03France ball.
36:05It's got the feel of a business trip
36:08right now to Berlin for France.
36:10It should,
36:11because that's exactly what it is.
36:13It's well said,
36:14but that's exactly,
36:16and really for all of these teams,
36:18but you're watching,
36:19if they are attacking it
36:21with a professionalism,
36:23I think the thing you watch
36:25and you monitor,
36:26you know,
36:26sometimes it comes down to
36:28we're looking at the seatings
36:29and standings
36:30and group play,
36:30and I know Rina Wakama
36:32with this group as well,
36:33it's also a pride factor.
36:35How are you going to score a side
36:37to make sure that that is your focus?
36:46Carlos Peralta is our crew chief today.
36:51And they're going to go to the monitor.
36:52Nigeria challenged the call on the floor.
36:56Let's listen in to our officials.
36:59We are going to review
37:00which team calls the out-of-ounds.
37:02This is a head coach challenge.
37:05Initial decision is blue ball.
37:13Go back, go back.
37:15You want to see that angle?
37:18This is blue.
37:21Yes, this is the hand.
37:22That's the finger.
37:26Show me, show me that,
37:27that's the angle.
37:28Go, go, go just with that angle, please.
37:32Go back, go back.
37:35Yeah, there's blue touch.
37:37Yeah, that's blue touch.
37:38Go, go.
37:40Yeah, I see the number 98 touch to the last.
37:43So, how was it in the shot clock at that time?
37:49Go, go, go, go.
37:53It's a rebound, so it's 14.
37:55Okay, so after review,
37:57the room, the floor is overturned.
37:59The challenge is successful.
38:00It's wide ball.
38:02Okay.
38:05Okay, very good.
38:06So a successful challenge by...
38:08After review,
38:10it's wide ball.
38:11By Nigeria.
38:13Each coach has one challenge
38:16in these FIFA Bowl Cup games,
38:18regardless of the result.
38:20And so back to what you're talking about,
38:23Farina Wakama,
38:24this Nigeria Cruiser,
38:25she's still showing her
38:26to every possession matters.
38:27You're not looking for the score,
38:29and I think with two and a half minutes left,
38:30how you're finishing off a quarter,
38:32and you start to compartmentalize
38:34what this deficit looks like,
38:36and what you're trying to get to,
38:39and looking for victories,
38:41and small victories within the concept
38:42of where this game is sitting right now
38:45with time and score.
38:47Francis' spot in the quarterfinals locked up.
38:49Nigeria plays for Pride today,
38:51to Sarah's point.
38:53Fadeaway jumper brought back in.
38:56And Amy Okonkwo,
38:59in pursuit of the offensive rebound,
39:01she got there,
39:01and she's got a chance to add to her total.
39:03Six boards for Okonkwo today.
39:05Yeah, and that's a part of it.
39:06She's attacking, getting inside,
39:07does a great job off that slash
39:09as the shot goes up,
39:10to have some inside position
39:11as Johanna gets her.
39:14And she's only taken three shots as well,
39:17so to your question earlier,
39:19just trying to get her more involved,
39:21that's something Nigeria is going to
39:23continue to need to figure out
39:25and navigate through the course of this one,
39:27because not even just about shots going in or out,
39:30but just making sure that she's involved.
39:34Johanna has called for an unsportsmanlike foul.
39:39So it's two free throws for Okonkwo.
39:43And the ball.
39:48The other matchup in Group B
39:50taking place right now in Berlin
39:52is Hungary-Korea.
39:53That's essentially a playoff game
39:57for second and third place,
39:59given Nigeria is out.
40:02Johannes, the steal.
40:05Transition three.
40:10She's got four of them today.
40:13And 12 for the tournament.
40:16Still a full half of basketball to go.
40:18Ayayi, the theft.
40:20More steals for France.
40:23They're number one in this World Cup
40:25and steals 11 in the first half.
40:28A huge part of that is
40:31they always just seem to be
40:33in the right position,
40:35player by player.
40:36You talk a lot about their connectivity
40:38and how they move on a string
40:39with their rotations
40:40and their communication,
40:41but so much of it comes down
40:43to the spacing.
40:45No look, Tish leads to a three.
40:48Astier from Johannes.
40:53Thirteen of twenty-three.
40:57I'm going to be shooting
40:59nearly 60% from deep
41:01at that volume.
41:03Wow.
41:04Williams had the quick hands.
41:06Nigeria generates a look.
41:09Astier bounced it
41:10and kicked by Nigeria
41:12with 115 to go
41:13in the first half.
41:17France overall 61% shooting.
41:2023 made baskets.
41:2416 dimes
41:25and 13.
41:2723 from deep.
41:32In their opener
41:34against Hungary,
41:35they hit 15 threes.
41:37Saturday against Korea,
41:3912 threes.
41:41Williams
41:45fouled shooting a three.
41:46Now those don't count the same.
41:48Those are free throws.
41:50Correct.
41:56Loosen it up for you.
41:57Yeah, I like it.
41:58I like it.
41:59I like it.
41:59Sorry.
42:00You know,
42:01you're keeping me on guard.
42:03I also think the
42:06impressive part so far
42:07for France,
42:08just four turnovers.
42:08We've talked a lot about their passing.
42:11We've talked a lot about their passing.
42:11And in some ways,
42:12they can get flashy with it.
42:1316 assists,
42:14just four turnovers.
42:16That was an aspect that Nigeria
42:19really did a great job with
42:20and kept them in the game
42:21with Hungary
42:22that they forced
42:2426 hungry turnovers,
42:27generate a lot of offense
42:28of it.
42:28And France has been so tight
42:31with their handles,
42:32both with
42:33how they've moved it
42:34and how they've continued
42:35to be on the attack.
42:38There's only been one country
42:40to score north of 100 points
42:43so far
42:44in group stage competition.
42:45It was Japan
42:46to open the tournament.
42:47They scored 1-0-2
42:48against Mollin.
42:50France is well on pace
42:51with 62
42:52in the final minute
42:54of the second quarter.
42:56Amu Kamara
42:58missed the triple
42:59recycled trip
43:01for Nigeria.
43:03Okonkwo
43:06came in at 50%
43:08today 0 for 3
43:10from distance.
43:11Williams
43:12buries it!
43:14How about
43:1514 threes
43:17in the first half!
43:20That's just
43:21target practice
43:22in transition.
43:23And those are
43:24the areas though
43:25that there's got to be
43:26a little bit more
43:27resistance,
43:27forcefulness,
43:29picking up the bat.
43:30Williams just
43:30stepped right up,
43:32dribbled into that one
43:32with ease.
43:35Douda
43:35drills it
43:37inside.
43:383 seconds.
43:40Ayai
43:40lets it fly!
43:45France drills
43:4614 first half
43:48threes.
43:51Six different
43:54members of
43:54Le Bleu
43:55with a triple
43:55led by
43:56Maureen
43:57Johannes
43:57with four of them.
43:59Lauren,
43:59Tina,
44:00and Renee
44:00break down
44:01the first half
44:02next on
44:03True TV.
44:03John TNT
44:05Sports.
44:07An absolute
44:07clinic.
44:08It was target
44:08practice for
44:09France
44:10in the first
44:1120 minutes.
44:12Gabby
44:12Williams
44:13and
44:13Maureen
44:14Johannes
44:14combined
44:15for eight
44:15three-pointers.
44:16Eight
44:16three-pointers
44:17of the 14
44:18made for
44:19France.
44:1956%
44:20two-pointers
44:20and
44:20two-pointers
44:20two-pointers