FRA/EGY - France makes a statement

AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - France has made a statement in their first game of the FIBA U19 World Championship at ASB Stadium in Auckland, with a comprehensive 46-point win over Egypt.

France were led by small forward Christophe Leonard, who recorded 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in the first half on the way to 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the match.

Leonard received excellent support from Jonathan Bourhis (21 points, 5/12 3pfg), Nicolas Lang (17 points, 5/8 3pfg) and Stanley Dubois (13 points).

The French tightened the defensive screws on Egypt from the very start, holding them to 12 points in the first period and nine in the second to take a 47-21 half time lead. France forced their opponents into 13 turnovers for the half, and allowed Egypt to shoot just 7/24 from the field.

The Egyptian’s shooting improved in the second half to match their intensity, but the French were too good, extending their lead to 71-34 at three quarter time and 102-56 at full time.

For Egypt, Adham Mohamed Elsayed played a lone hand, scoring 15 points, shooting 6/10 from the field and connecting on 2/4 three point shots.

As a team Egypt shot 21/61 from the field and 4/17 from the perimeter. Egypt now face Iran at 10:00am tomorrow morning in a crucial game for their chances of progressing top the second round.

As impressive as France were, more will be known about their medal chances after they face the USA at the North Shore Events Centre, also 10:00am Friday morning.

FIBA