Gabby Williams powered France into the World Cup quarterfinals with a 25-point performance in a 111-56 victory over Nigeria. France finished group play 3-0 while setting a single-game tournament record with 22 made 3-pointers.
What happened
Williams made six shots from beyond the arc and contributed across the floor, finishing with six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Her production helped France take control of its final group game and close the preliminary stage without a loss.
France’s perimeter shooting defined the result. Its 22 successful 3-pointers surpassed the previous single-game World Cup mark by two, adding a tournament record to a 55-point victory that secured first place progression through the group stage.
Why it matters
The win sent France directly to the quarterfinals, allowing the team to bypass the qualification round. That direct route gives France a clear place in the final eight after three victories in three group appearances.
Williams has been at the center of that unbeaten start. Williams leads France with 18.7 points per game through three appearances, and her 25-point outing against Nigeria pushed the team through its final group assignment in record-setting fashion.
By the numbers
Williams accounted for six of France’s 22 made 3-pointers, or 27.3% of the team’s record total. Her shooting alone represented more than one-quarter of France’s production from deep.
Her 25 points also made up 22.5% of France’s 111-point output. Beyond the scoring, Williams added six rebounds, four assists and two steals, giving France contributions in several areas during the lopsided win.
The team record provides the broader measure of France’s offensive performance. By reaching 22 makes from long range, France moved two clear of the previous tournament standard while completing a perfect group record.
What to watch next
France returns Thursday for its World Cup quarterfinal. With the qualification round no longer required, the team’s next game will carry direct elimination stakes.
Williams enters that matchup as France’s leading scorer through three appearances. Her combination of 3-point shooting and all-around production against Nigeria gives France a proven focal point as it moves from unbeaten group play into the quarterfinal stage.