France stun Australia in a thrilling overtime fixture – London Olympics Women Basketball Recap
In the first overtime game of the Women Basketball competition at the 2012 London Olympics, France defeated Australia 74-70 to remain unbeaten in two games and rise to the top of Group B.
It was without a doubt the closest and most entertaining game of the competition so far, where both teams refused to give up and fought till the last second.
Emilie Gomis led five French players in double digit and scored a game high 22 points on a 8 of 12 shooting from the floor including two three pointers in as many attempts. Australia also had 4 players finishing with double digit
points with Suzy Batkovic leading the way with a team high 17 points and 10 rebounds.
France took 3 minutes and 35 seconds to put the first points on the board as Australia started the game with a 6-0 run. The Aussies were quick in getting into rhythm, and led the French 10-2 at one point in the period. However,
back to back three pointers by the French side had them down by only 2. Australia led 14-11 at the end of the first period.
France snatched the lead for the first time in the game with two free throws by Lepron, taking a 19-18 lead with 5:39 left in the second period. The game remained close throughout the rest of the period, with no team allowing the
other to build a comfortable lead. There were two lead exchanges after the French took the first lead, and France went into the half time break leading 28-27.
10 straight points by the French had them leading 43-34, and they looked to be in control. They extended their lead to 52-39 on two free throws by Gomis. However, the Aussies closed the quarter with a 12-0 run and cut the deficit
to 51-52 heading into the final period. France missed their last six field goal attempts of the third period.
With France trailing 59-61 and less than 2 minutes left in the game, Celine Dumerc came up with a clutch three pointer to put her side up by 62-61. That was followed by a two pointer by Sandrine Gruda to give the French side a
64-61 cushion with less than 1 minute to play.
Trailing by three points with under 10 seconds left to play, Belinda Snell came up with the game tying three pointer for Australia and sent the game into overtime.
France led Australia 72-70 in overtime with 1:56 left in the game, when Australia missed two field goal attempts and turned the ball over on a crucial possession. Dumerc was fouled on the following possession and scored both free
throws to give France a decisive 74-70 lead.
France shot 35.3% from the field but was 6 of 12 from the distance. Australia, in comparison, went 4 of 19 from three point range. Both teams were evenly matched in other areas of the game but the ability to maintain composure
and score on key possessions gave France the much deserved victory.
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