LTU/FRA - French bombardment stuns Lithuania

AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - France have used a dominant 34-16 second quarter to upset Lithuania, 95-78, and place one foot in the quarter finals of the FIBA U19 World Championship in New Zealand.

It was clear from early in the first quarter that France had come to play, with point guard Andrew Albicy creating havoc at the defensive end and France’s dangerous shooters firing with confidence in transition.

Jonathan Bourhis led the way with two three pointers in each of the first two quarters, and Bryson Pope, Christophe Leonard, Alexis Tanghe and Nicolas Lang all joined in the three point party as France nailed 8 perimeter shots for the half to lead 57-34.

Lithuania came out firing in the second half, closing to within 53-67 with 4:48 remaining in the third quarter. Leonard steadied the French team with 7 points for the quarter, including 5 in the last 3:00 to keep the margin at 14 points at three quarter time.

A tense last quarter was blown open when Jonathan Bourhis hit his fifth and sixth 3-pointers in quick succession to give France a 90-70 advantage with 2:50 to play.

Bourhis finished with 18 points on 6/10 shooting from long range, providing great support for Leonard who collected 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Albicy (15 points, 6 assists, 6 steals) led the French defence, while Tanghe and Lange (both 11 points) were dangerous at the offensive end.

Big man Adomas Drungilus scored 24 points and pulled down 9 rebounds for Lithuania, who were out-rebounded 27-40 thanks to the work of France’s Tanguy Ramassay (11 rebounds). Dovydas Redikas  (17 points) and Donatas Montiejunas (12 points) also scored in double figures for Lithuania.

France play Greece at 1:30pm at ASB Stadium, and a win or a Lithuaniain loss against the USA will guarantee them a place in the quarter finals.

Lithuania will qualify for the quarter finals if France defeat the Greeks, but otherwise must defeat the USA at 7:30pm at the North Shore Events Centre to progress.


Christophe Leonard, France said:

“We gave all on the court and we had probably our best game of the tournament. We are very physical and athletic, so we wanted to get them tired. That was one of the points of our coaching staff, to make their big men run as much as possible.”

FIBA