XI’AN (China) – China has the opportunity to secure qualification with a victory over France. This highly anticipated clash between two basketball powerhouses is a classic in international basketball. What insights can we glean from the recent history of their rivalry to anticipate this game?
The rivalry between the women’s basketball teams of China and France has been a source of great excitement for fans and a test of skill and strategy for the players.
France have had a good record against China in international play. In fact, over their last 10 encounters, France have prevailed 8 times, in which includes a lot of friendlies.
In FIBA Events, however, China have had an upper hand recently. Let’s take a closer look at the last 10 meetings between the top two teams here in Xi’An – Olympic Games hosts France and OQT hosts China.
2007: France beat China, 67-61
This was a friendly game between the two national teams more than 16 years ago. It was held in Riga, Latvia, with France fighting off a pesky China side thanks to the combined 29 points of Les Bleues’ centers, Sandra Dijon and Sandrine Gruda.
2012: France beat China, 85-64
It took 5 years before France and China played on opposite sides again. Once more, this was a friendly game held at Gravelines, France. Again, Gruda was a big thorn in China’s side, scoring 16 points. Likewise, point guard Edwige Lawson-Wade did well here, scoring 16 points of her own in the easy win.
2014: France beat China, 74-54
Two years later, China traveled once again to France, this time for a preparation game in the capital city of Paris. Once again as well, Gruda had her way with the visitors. She had 14 points in the friendly victory. Talismanic guard Céline Dumerc also impressed with 13 points of her own.
2016: France beat China, 56-43
In a rather low-scoring tune-up game in preparation for the Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games 2016, Les Bleus continued their mastery of China. Isabelle Yacobou dominated the inside with 12 points and 9 rebounds, while team captain Dumerc added 11 points of her own. China’s offense sputtered here, with no one scoring more than 6 points.
2018: France beat China, 81-67
With both teams deprived of a place in the top four, France rallied from a slow start to salvage fifth place at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Tenerife, Spain. The French had a tough time containing Shao Ting, who scored 16 points for China. The ever-reliable Gruda, however, would not let her team lose. She put up 16 points of her own, shooting 7-9 from the field in the win.
2019: France beat China, 73-70
In their last preparation match in Rouen before the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2019, France had to go through the wringer before outlasting China in a down-to-the-wire encounter. Les Bleus had a sluggish start to the game and fell behind early to a China team with great size. Marine Johannes and Bria Hartley combined to score 42 points as France squeaked out the win.
2022: China beat France, 103-70
This was the first time in more than a decade that China defeated France, and how! Sure, France had already qualified for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022, but they certainly did not expect to be on the receiving of such a lopsided affair at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Han Xu and Huang Sijing repeatedly punished the French here. It was a huge confidence booster for China and proved to be a harbinger of things to come at the World Cup.
2022: China beat France, 85-71
China were at their sharpest form at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney, Australia. They entered this game with a 4-1 record and notched their fifth win at France’s expense.
Les Bleus were booted out of podium contention thanks to the sublime performance of China’s Li Meng, who had 23 points and 4 assists. Huang stood out again as well, putting up 18 points.
2023: France beat China, 76-63
Eight months after their last confrontation, France and China met in Mont-de-Marsan for a friendly double-header. In full preparation for their respective continental championships, the two teams were still looking to be in tip-top shape.
With Sandrine Gruda back in the fold, however, France were much more impressive here. They staved off a China squad that missed the services of Han Xu, Li Meng, and Huang Sijing.
2023: France beat China, 81-50
It was utter dominance from the home side in this last friendly match in Mont-de-Marsan. France tallied a second victory over China, with Iliana Rupert and Mamignan Toure leading the charge. This was a contest marked by an incredible defensive third quarter from Les Bleues with only 2 points conceded. France finished third at the ensuing FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023, while China topped the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023.
Looking Ahead
Right now, China are playing like a team on a mission. They want a reprise of their stellar performance at the World Cup two years ago when they finished in second place. All their stars are playing, and playing very well. In addition, the home crowd here in Xi’An makes China automatic favorites.
France looked strong against Puerto Rico and also enjoy a full roster. Les Bleues are sharpening their sights en route to the Olympic Games at home and a win against China would certainly give a lot of confidence to coach Jean-Aimé Toupane’s team.
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