South Korea suffer 26-point loss to France at Women’s Basketball World Cup

South Korea’s bid to reach the Women’s Basketball World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years hit a major obstacle against France. The second-ranked French team defeated South Korea 95-69 in Berlin, winning by 26 points.

South Korea, ranked 15th in the world and coached by Park Soo-ho, had opened the tournament with a 99-81 victory over eighth-ranked Nigeria. The loss to France left the team with a 1-1 record in Group B and second place in the standings.

Hungary also moved to 1-1 after beating Nigeria, but remained third because of the point difference. South Korea’s mark stood at minus eight, compared with Hungary’s minus 42. Nigeria sat last at 0-2.

South Korea will meet Hungary at 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 in the final group match, with second place at stake. In the 16-team tournament, the four groups each contain four teams. Group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals, while teams finishing second and third enter a playoff for the remaining quarterfinal places.