Host Germany avoids early exit from women’s FIBA World Cup, France sets 3-pointer record

BERLIN (AP) — Host Germany avoided embarrassment at the women’s FIBA World Cup on Monday while Spain advanced to the quarterfinals and France set a record for 3-pointers.Germany faced the prospect of elimination in its final group game against Mali but the host was never in danger in front of a sell-out crowd at the Berlin Arena with Frieda Bühner (21 points) and Luisa Geiselsöder (17) contributing to a comfortable 83-58 win.France scored an unprecedented 22 triples in a comprehensive 111-56 victory over already-eliminated Nigeria (0-3).Migna Toure’s 3-point shot with 5:45 left was her team’s 21st, breaking the three-day-old record of 20 set by Japan for 3-pointers in a single contest in World Cup history. Dominique Malonga notched the 22nd.Gabby Williams led France (3-0) with 25 points and 6 rebounds. The Olympic finalists were already assured of their place in the quarterfinals.Also in Group B, Hungary (2-1) defeated South Korea (1-2) 82-73 to finish second.Spain in quarterfinalsIyana Martin led Spain to a 79-59 win over Japan with 20 points and four rebounds, sending Spain (2-1) straight through to the quarterfinals as Group A winner because of its head-to-head record against Germany (2-1).Alima Dembélé’s two free throws at the start gave Mali (1-2) its only lead against Germany as the host made sure of progress from a group that had been wide open with all teams 1-1 before their final games.After the buzzer the German players went over to a corner and danced with the crowd.

They then did a lap around the court and high-fived fans as they went off.“There's no celebration,” Germany coach Olaf Lange said. "The turnaround to tomorrow is too fast. Things get going again first thing tomorrow morning.”Germany faces South Korea on Tuesday to decide which progresses to the quarterfinals.Japan finished third in the group while Mali was eliminated despite its shock win over Spain on Saturday.

Japan next plays Hungary on Tuesday.Italian exertions take their tollAfter running the United States close the night before, Italy struggled to find the same energy levels in a 71-51 defeat to China, which secured second place in Group D and a playoff against Puerto Rico on Wednesday.China’s 7-foot-3 teenage sensation Zhang Ziyu scored 8 points while Han Xu lead the team with 19 points and 10 rebounds in front of a raucous crowd at the Max-Sch… BERLIN (AP) — France set a record for 3-pointers in a single game at the women’s FIBA World Cup while Spain and host Germany progressed after winning their final group games Monday.France scored an unprecedented 22 triples in a comprehensive 111-56 victory over already-eliminated Nigeria.Migna Toure’s 3-point shot with 5:45 left was her team’s 21st, breaking the three-day-old record of 20 set by Japan on Friday for 3-pointers in a single contest in World Cup history. Dominique Malonga notched the 22nd.Gabby Williams led France with 25 points and 6 rebounds.

Japan next plays Hungary on Tuesday.Meesseman stars againEmma Meesseman led Belgium to the quarterfinals with 22 points and 10 rebounds as it topped Australia 80-68 for first place in Group C.The European champion was now off until Thursday.Australia faces a qualifying playoff on Wednesday against the loser of the Italy-China matchup later Monday.Belgium had a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter and bolted in an 11-2 run. The Opals couldn’t couldn't recover. Belgium’s Julie Allemand finished with seven assists to give her an all-time record 111…