France tops host Germany to reach women’s FIBA World Cup final

BERLIN — Gabby Williams led France to the final of the women’s FIBA World Cup with an 86-64 win over host Germany on Saturday.

Williams scored 22 points and had five rebounds to put France in touching distance of the title after a dogged performance from the host, which refused to give up in front of a partisan crowd at Berlin Arena.

It was the first semifinal appearance for both teams since the stage was introduced in 1986.

France will play Spain or the United States, the four-time defending champion and tournament favorite, in Sunday’s final. Their semifinal was later Saturday.

There was an air of nervous anticipation around the arena before tip-off as Germany, already further than ever before in its second tournament appearance, would need another major upset to make the final.

Germany coach Olaf Lange spoke of “ German basketball’s best day ” after the quarterfinal win over European champion Belgium.

France scored more than 90 points in each of its four games, while Germany managed that in its last two after recovering impressively since losing its opening game to Spain by 30 points.