France, Iliana Rupert book first FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 as they make it rain on Lithuania

• → Game took place at the Peace & Friendship Stadium, Piraeus on Tuesday, June 24
• → France advanced to the semi-finals for the ninth consecutive edition with an emphatic 83–61 win over Lithuania
• → Janelle Salaün and Iliana Rupert combined for 25, with the former not missing a shot from the field.

France are back in the final four. In a quarter-final performance defined by perimeter shooting and surgical execution, Les Bleues dismantled Lithuania 83–61 to book their place in the semi-finals of the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025.

Unstoppable Start

The tone was set within minutes. France opened the game with a barrage of three-pointers, making nine of their first 11 shots from beyond the arc. It was a first quarter for the record books, finishing 35–14 and effectively ending the contest before Lithuania had found their footing. That early blitz was not just about hot shooting - France moved the ball crisply, punished every rotation, and forced Lithuania into eight first-quarter turnovers. The combination of offensive rhythm and defensive pressure left no room for doubt.

Salaün and Rupert Take Over

Janelle Salaün continued her outstanding tournament with another composed, high-impact performance. She ended with 10 points without missing a field goal, providing the scoring punch that allowed France to stretch the lead early and manage the pace thereafter. Iliana Rupert added 15 points of her own, asserting her presence in the paint on both ends and anchoring the interior.

France’s control never really wavered. Even as the pace slowed and rotations deepened, the defensive intensity remained, and the spacing on offense continued to create high-percentage looks.

Lithuania Left Chasing

It was a frustrating evening for Lithuania, who had arrived in the quarter-finals with confidence after a strong group stage showing. Rising star Justė Jocytė was kept to just 9 points, and Laura Juskaite and Egle Sventoraite's combined 31 weren't enough for the underdogs to get back into it. Lithuania committed 25 turnovers and shot just 16.7% from three-point range—unable to find the offensive balance that had carried them this far.

By halftime, France led 56–31, and Lithuania never cut the deficit to single digits again.

On to the Semis

This win marks France’s ninth consecutive appearance in the semi-finals of the Women’s EuroBasket—a streak that speaks to the consistency and culture built around this program. Head coach Jean-Aimé Toupane continues to manage the generational handover with precision, blending the savvy of veterans like Rupert with rising talents like Salaün and Marine Fauthoux.

The challenge will now rise a notch. But if France can replicate this level of execution and intensity, they’ll be tough to beat down the stretch.

How to watch the Semi-Finals at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025

Watch the semi-finals and all remaining games from the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 live and on-demand via Courtside 1891. Follow the action with a Max Women’s EuroBasket Pass, a Women’s Continental Cups bundle, or a Max Annual Pass to access all FIBA events and basketball content year-round. Broadcast availability may vary by region—check local listings for coverage in your area.