The explosive first ten minutes and the composure displayed when Canada attempted a comeback earned the “host” of the Paris Games, France, a spot in the semifinals of the Olympic basketball tournament, where they will face the reigning world champions, Germany. The “silver medalists” from Tokyo 2021 triumphed over Canada with a score of 82-73, taking another step toward the podium and the medals, eliminating the previously unbeaten North Americans!
With 22 points and 5 rebounds, Gerson Yabusele led the attack for the “tricolores.”
His worthy partner was Isaiah Cordinier with 20 points and 4/5 three-pointers! Canada’s star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fought valiantly, scoring 27 points.
Bombarding from the perimeter and limiting the Canadians to just 10 points in the first quarter, the French revealed their intentions right from the start and entered the second period leading by +13 (23-10 at 10′). With Yabusele and Lesor dominating the paint until halftime, the “tricolores” were not only unthreatened but also extended their lead to +19, heading into the locker room at +16 (45-29).
With Gilgeous-Alexander finding his rhythm offensively in the third quarter, Canada began to chip away at the deficit, bringing it down to a single-digit margin (54-46 at 27′), but the French maintained their composure and defense, closing the quarter at +11 (61-50 at 30′). Jordi Fernandez’s team made an effort for a comeback in the latter stages of the game, but with the “hosts” returning to their scoring ways, the dream never materialized…
Quarters: 23-10, 45-29, 61-50, 82-73
France (Collet): Dilikinà 5 (3 assists), Batum (5 rebounds), Albicy, Yabusele 22 (2/4 three-pointers, 5 rebounds), Cordinier 20 (4/5 three-pointers, 3 rebounds), Fournier 15 (3/6 three-pointers), De Colo, Lesor 13 (5 rebounds), Gobert, Wembanyama 7 (12 rebounds, 5 assists), Strazel, Koulibaly
Canada (Fernandez): Dort 8 (1/4 three-pointers), Alexander-Walker 2, Gilgeous-Alexander 27 (1/4 three-pointers, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Ejim, Murray 7 (1/4 three-pointers, 5 rebounds), Powell 4 (9 rebounds), Lyles 2, Barrett 16 (2/5 three-pointers, 3 rebounds, 3 assists), Olynyk, Neighbour, Brooks 2, Birch 5 (5 rebounds)