ISTANBUL
The FIBA World Championship for Women continued on Saturday in Turkey with the classification matches underway to determine who will finish between fifth and eighth places.
In the game in Istanbul, Canada beat France 55-40 to earn the right to play for the fifth place in the tournament.
Canadian women started the match strong against the French, also known as "Les Bleues," and finished the first quarter ahead, 15-8.
Canada's defensive performance was phenomenal in the second quarter as well; they started the period with a 15-0 run and didn't look back, finishing the half ahead 37-16.
The second half showed no surprises as Canada beat France 55-40, allowing the French women only 8 points in the final quarter.
Canada's top performer was point guard Shona Thorburn with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals for an all-around performance. She was joined by her teammate power forward Miranda Ayim, who scored 12 points and pulled down 5 rebounds.
France's Sandrine Gruda, who plays in the center position, was on top form for her team. She recorded a "double-double" with 10 points and 12 rebounds, but her performance was not enough to spark a victory.
Canada will play against China tomorrow in Istanbul for a fifth place in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the losing side, France, will clash with Serbia for the seventh place.
The tournament continues with a semi-final match. Turkey is playing against Spain in Istanbul.
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