GRE - Parker superb but Greece win in Athens over France

ATHENS (FIBA World Championship) - Greece clinched first place in the Acropolis Tournament with an impressive win over fellow FIBA World Championship side France on Wednesday.

In a replay of last year's EuroBasket semi-final, which Greece won after mounting a big comeback with less than 50 seconds remaining, the Greeks won 70-56.

The defeat was the first of the summer for France's top side as they prepare for Group A action later this month in the Far East against Argentina, Serbia & Montenegro, Venezuela, Nigeria and Lebanon.

France started better and built a 15-8 lead by the end of the first quarter, however, the hosts clawed their way back and trailed 29-27 at half-time.

Panagiotis Yannakis' team then took a 49-39 lead with 10 minutes remaining and ultimately prevailed.

Tony Parker, who has been in excellent form for France, had 20 points in defeat to lead all scorers. He was eight of 12 from the field, including two of five from three-point range.

Vasileios Spanoulis, who has signed a deal to play for the Houston Rockets next season, scored 11 for Greece.

France committed 27 turnovers in the contest to just 15 for Greece. The French outrebounded their hosts 40-36.

Greece are in Group C of the FIBA World Championship and will face Turkey, Qatar, Australia, Lithuania and Brazil.

By PA Sport
Exclusively for FIBA