Himawari Akaho
Japan players celebrate their win over France in a women's semifinal basketball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Japan women rout France 87-71 to reach 1st gold medal game

By Teresa M. Walker Aug. 06, 2021 09:39 AM EDT

Belgium's Emma Meesseman (11) walks off the court at the end of a women's basketball quarterfinal round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Hayashi's 3 lifts Japan into semis, ousting Belgium 86-85

By Teresa M. Walker Aug. 04, 2021 06:23 AM EDT