Gabby's monster performance fires France to historic Final

BERLIN (Germany) - France are celebrating collecting a first ever ticket to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Final after taking down Germany in front of another amazing crowd in the German capital.

It was also an audience packed of 12,650 in attendance with stellar names, including FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Ambassadors Sue Bird and Pau Gasol both, as well as reigning FIBA Basketball World Cup MVP, Dennis Dennis Schroder and the legendary Dirk Nowitzki. French legends Sandrine Gruda and Isabelle Fijalkowski were also seated in the front row.

But the headlines were written by Gabby Williams, who proved to be the difference-maker in a famous 86-64 Semi-Finals victory.

The forward put on a sparkling display, with her leadership and production on the court central to the landmark success. Williams was deservedly crowned TCL Player of the Game after finishing with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for a performance efficiency valuation of 31.

A superstar on both ends of the floor.

Williams can also take immense pride in having moved to 187 Women's World Cup points, overtaking FIBA Hall of Famer, Celine Dumerc to become France's third all-time scorer in the competition.

France are now guaranteed to take to the podium for the first time since the maiden edition of the famous tournament back in 1953 and will wait to see if they will matchup against USA or Spain.

However, Williams wasn't the only one making an impact. Janelle Salaun produced a classy double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Marine Johannes (13) and Valeriane Ayayi (10) also reached double figures.

France's victory by 22-points is the biggest by any team not named USA in a Women's World Cup semi-final.

The collective effort also witnessed France take exceptional care of the ball with just 7 turnovers - an eye-catching number in any game, let alone a high profile Semi-Final contest. France only lost 2 in the first half. In stark contrast, Germany struggled as France turned the defensive screw, spilling the ball 25 times.

Despite the loss, Germany still have much to look forward to on the last day as they prepare to face USA or Spain for a historic place on the last step of the podium.

FIBA