Paris 2024 Olympic Games: French basketball players annihilate their opponents during the TQO and build confidence before the Games

Trois matches, trois victoires pour les Bleues lors du TQO. MAXPPP – Catherine AULAZ

Les Bleues, déjà qualifiées pour les Jeux Olympiques en tant que pays hôte, n'ont pas fait dans le détail. 

A flawless performance and a strong impression six months before their 2024 Olympics: the French basketball players crushed New Zealand (94-39) on Sunday during their final match of the Olympic qualifying tournament. Xi'an (China) without challenge for the Blue.

The day after their show of strength against the Chinese world vice-champions (82-50), the Blues confirmed against the New Zealanders, modest 23rd in the world rankings, knocked out 61- 17 at halftime. The "Tall Ferns" (Hautes Fougères) had also been dominated a little less widely on Thursday by China (94-47).

21 steals, 40 rebounds

Once again, Jean-Aimé Toupane's players stifled their opponents with their activity and physical intensity, demonstrated by 21 interceptions and 40 rebounds.

In the absence of accounting interest for the Blues already qualified as host country, these three matches on the other side of the planet will have boosted them after their Euro finished in half -final against Belgium (67-63), then without Gabby Williams (concussion) or Marine Johannès (choice). The Franco-American winger overwhelmed the New Zealanders with 21 points – in 19 minutes -, including 13 points in the first quarter.

The selection for the Olympics will be raging

As for "MJ", the back again scored a volley of shots on one leg for which she has the secret (8 points in 17 minutes, including 2/5 from afar).

At the pivot position, in the absence of Sandrine Gruda (36 years old), in the recovery phase after a thigh injury, the immense Dominique Malonga (1.98 m, 18 years old) scored points on the field (13, at 6/10) as well as a few undoubtedly in the mind of the coach in view of the Paris-2024 Olympic Games.

Note that Lyon-Villeurbanne leader Marine Fauthoux, hit in the back, was "preserved", was announced the Federation.