France head coach Valerie Garnier and her team react after a three-point basket during the second half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. France defeated Turkey 55-39. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Sarah Michel and Endy Miyem each scored 14 points, and France shook off a cold start Saturday before beating Turkey 55-39 in the opening game of the Olympic women's group play.
France, the 2012 silver medalist, lost starting point guard Celine Dumerc when she sprained her left ankle Wednesday in practice. She was replaced by Olivia Epoupa.
Michel hit 4-of-6 of her 3-pointers, while Miyem connected on 6-of-9 overall. Epoupa scored only four points replacing Dumarc, but she handed out five assists.
Nevriye Yilmaz led Turkey with 16 points, and Birsel Demirmen Vardarli had 10.
Not having Dumerc may have led to France's poor start. Turkey scored the first eight points and went up 16-6 before going cold in the second hitting only 1 of 12 attempts.
France led 22-19 at halftime and finished the game on a 20-4 run started in the final 84 seconds of the third quarter.
FranceFrance guard Sarah Michel (10) is hugged by teammate Marielle Amant after their women's basketball game against Turkey at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. France defeated Turkey 55-39. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
France forward Endy Miyem makes a layup defended by Turkey center Nevriye Yilmaz during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/=032011002177=)
The Associated Press
Turkey guard Isil Alben (10) is fouled by France center Helena Ciak during the second half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. France defeated Turkey 55-39. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
Turkey guard Isil Alben, left, is fouled by France guard Olivia Epoupa during the second half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. France defeated Turkey 55-39. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
Turkey center Lara Sanders, left, and France guard Olivia Epoupa battle for the loose ball during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
France forward Valeriane Ayayi (11) drives around Turkey forward Bahar Caglar during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press
Turkey head coach Ekrem Memnun reacts on the sidelines during the first half of a women's basketball game against France at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Associated Press