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

Japan's Nako Motohashi (15) drives to the basket against Belgium's Kim Mestdagh (5) during a women's basketball quarterfinal game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Hayashi's 3 lifts Japan into semis, ousting Belgium 86-85

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