If basketball were jazz, France is Duke Ellington's Orchestra and Australia is the kid down the street who just learned to play Hot Cross Buns on their recorder. I apologize for the image, but it's just too fitting.
Now let's take a look at the star players here on both sides.
For France, we've got Gabby Williams averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists a game. A true standout. Following Williams, there's Marieme Badiane pulling down 6 boards and rounding up the surrendering defense with 9.5 points a game. Marine Johannes isn't a sailor, but she is putting up 11 points a game which sure makes her sea-worthy in my book.
On the Australian side, Samantha Whitcomb is packing some serious heft with 16 points and 4 rebounds on average, while Stephanie Talbot is, get this, averaging a double-double of 11 points with 9 rebounds per game. Ezi Magbegor is doing her part with 9.5 points and 3 rebounds a game.
France has been on a rampage with a pristine 2-0 tournament record so far. Feed them snails, hand them a basketball, they're just unbeatable. They've trounced everyone crossing their path, especially in that thrilling victory against Nigeria, winning by a clear 21-point margin. Made croissants of them, I tell you.
Australia, bless them, are fighting the good fight with a 1-1 record. Had a decent win against Canada by a 5 point margin, but Nigeria seemed to have had their number, handing them a bitter 13-point loss.
If I were a betting man, and I am, I'd put my money on the French. They're just more consistent and have been rocking the competition in the tournament.
This candle is burning at both ends for this one, but I’m calling it:
Albert’s Prediction: France by 7