FRA - Ndongue and Miyem help France past Czechs [videos]

PRAGUE (EuroBasket Women) - France beat the Czech Republic 74-60 in the first of two friendlies on Thursday as they continue their preparations for EuroBasket in Poland.

Facing their toughest opponent to date as part of their build-up to the defence of their EuroBasket title, France used a pivotal third quarter to pull away for good.

There was little between both teams in the first half, with the visitors holding a 40-38 lead thanks in large part to the effiency of Emmeline Ndongue who had 10 points on five of five shooting before the break.

Pierre Vincent's charges used an 8-0 run in the third period to grow their advantage and were helped by the fact that the Czech - runners-up at last year's FIBA World Championship on their home soil - went more than five minutes without a basket.

Endene Miyem (pictured) scored six straight points to help France head into the final frame up 55-44 and the Czechs could not muster a strong comeback.

The two teams meet again on Friday night.

Edwige Lawson-Wade, back in the French National Team for the first time since 2007, had 14 points to lead all scorers.

Ndongue finished with 12 and Miyem added 10.

The pair of inside players are enjoying the opportunity to play for Vincent, who also coached them at French club Bourges.

Vincent announced he was leaving the club after the 2010-11 season, having been there since 2003.

Ndongue and Miyem talked to FIBA.com about what Vincent had meant to them while playing both for club and country.

Emmeline Ndongue

Endene Miyem

FIBA