USA vs. France: American Women's Keys to Avoiding Gold Medal Upset

USA’s women’s basketball team will face France in their bid to secure their fifth straight gold medal in women’s Olympic basketball.

Not only will it be their fifth gold medal, it will be their 40th straight Olympic basketball victory. For those of you not quick with math, they haven’t lost since 1992 against the Unified Team. In the entire history of Olympic women’s basketball, American women have recorded a dominant 57-3 record.

Additionally, and remarkably, the women faced their first DEFICIT in 12 years of Olympic play in their semifinal win over Australia.

France, though, isn’t like the competition the Americans have faced this summer. They also have enjoyed Olympic success and have yet to lose in Olympic play. For a U.S. team who trailed Australia at half-time in the semifinals, it may be time to dig down deep in this gold medal finale.

The last time the two national teams squared off was during a 2010 FIBA World Championship preliminary round game. The USA scored a commanding 81-60 victory.

The stakes this time around in London, though, are a little bit higher.

Let’s take a look at what Team USA needs to do in order to hold off the French and win another gold medal.

Key No. 1: Contain Celine Dumerc

All things in the French offense run through point guard Celine Dumerc. She is the team’s facilitator and best perimeter shooter.

If the Americans can bottle her up with good pressure defense, they can attempt to force the other French players to score and make things happen. This may not solve the problem entirely, but the theory of equalizing a player and making the rest of the team beat you may be the best bet in this case.

Key No. 2: US Bench Must Provide Spark

The French bench is one of the better units in these Olympic Games. Even without Dumerc on the floor, the teamwork of the backups enables them to keep the tempo similar to what they have going when she is on the court.

One US player is not going to put her team solely on her shoulders. It is the depth and versatility of the entire line-up that has made this team as dangerous as they are.

Key No. 3: Rebound

The Americans have a significant edge over France in the rebounding department. They faced a tough challenge in the semis against Australia but will have the size advantage in this one.

If France can find a way to control the paint, the Americans may struggle as they did against Australia. The Aussies created too many second-chance point opportunities in their down-low dominance.

Instead, in the gold medal game, Team USA needs to rebound and create their own opportunities against the French.