MANILA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) – For three whole periods, France seemed but shells of their true selves, but they finally righted the ship in the fourth quarter to defeat New Zealand, 66-59, on the third day of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.

Turning Point: New Zealand seemed to gain full control after a Corey Webster basket gave them a 50-38 lead early in the fourth quarter, but France had other plans. Les Bleus uncorked a searing 22-2 blast that obliterated the Tall Blacks’ lead and permanently swung the momentum in the French’s favor. By the time New Zealand scored again, France was in control, 60-54.

Stats Don't Lie: France struggled with their shooting for much of the game, but they caught fire just in time. In the final ten minutes of the game, coach Vincent Collet’s boys finally found their shooting touch, making 9-of-15 field goals, including going 3-of-3 from downtown. In the end, France outshot the Kiwis from the floor, 42% to 30%.

Game Hero: In a game where France’s biggest stars found it tough, it was a member of the supporting cast who made things happen in crunch time. Mickael Gelabale dropped 7 of his 11 points in the fourh period, helping France overhaul their sizeable deficit and complete their stirring comeback. Gelabale ended up with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal while shooting 4-of-7 from the field.

The Bottom Line: This result enabled France to avoid a Semi-Final encounter with Group A top seed Canada. This means France will be tested by Turkey, who beat Senegal earlier in the day. The Tall Blacks still advanced, but they will have a tall task trying to get past Canada.

FIBA