Historique! France beat USA for first time - reach Final

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - France made history at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023 as they beat United States 89-86 to reach the Final and collect the country's first victory over the Americans in a youth world event.

France had lost all six games against USA in the U19 World Cup - including the 2021 Final - as well as two games in the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. But that drought has ended after a spectacular game between two elite teams.

 

France will play either Spain or Turkey in Sunday's title game.

Zacharie Perrin scored 18 points plus 9 rebounds and 5 assists (26 efficiency rating) and Melvin Ajinca added 17 points (3-of-6 on three-pointers) in the historic victory.

Tobe Awaka had a very strong game for USA with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals. Mark Armstrong (17 points) and Tre Johnson (16 points) also showed their offensive skills. The clash between two very athletic squads was amazing to watch.

Turning point: The game was tight throughout as the biggest lead was six points and there were 12 lead changes. With under 6 minutes to play, Mark Armstrong scored a layup to give USA a 78-74 lead when he turned to the France bench and yelled something at them. Armstrong was given a technical and France took charge of the game with a 14-3 run to go up 86-81 with 2 minutes left.

 

Game hero: While Perrin was outstanding as the leading scorer, Ajinca made two big plays in the big run. He got out on the break and threw down a massive dunk and completed the three-point play. Ajinca later buried a big three-pointer to put the French up 86-81 to finish the surge.

Stats don't lie: France shot 52 percent from the field including 8-of-16 from the three-point line. The French defense held USA's offense to just 44 percent from the field.

They said: "We had a game plan before the game and we respected the game plan. We did an amazing job. I don’t know how to explain this. I am so proud of our guys. We did a perfect job today," France power forward Zacharie Perrin

 

"This is great. This is what we are working for. We are enjoying this moment. It’s very special for us. We have one more game to go. We are ready for the Final," France forward Zaccharie Risacher

FIBA