91-90: France takes revenge on Serbia with a victory at the buzzer

France surpassed Serbia by 91-90 in a final full of tension, ensuring the victory with a basket at the horn of Jaylen Hoard. The match, played at the Palais des Sports in Orleansserved as preparation for the next qualifying rounds of the FIBA World Cupwhere both teams seek to consolidate their position. With this triumph France avenges the defeat suffered a few days ago against this rival in Belgrade.

The French team maintained the lead for most of the match, showing particular dominance in the second quarter. The partials were 27-22, 27-13, 14-27 and 23-28. Despite a notable Serbian reaction in the third period, France He managed to maintain his advantage until the final moments of the match.

The outcome was a heart attack. Serbia took the lead with just 4 seconds left, after a contact layup from Marko Guduric. However, the last French possession culminated in the decisive play. Serbian defense concentrated on Sylvain Franciswhich left Jaylen Hoard unmarked to score the winning basket just as time expired.

Victor Wembanyama contributed 18 points to France’s victory. The San Antonio player Spurs He shot 5 of 6 on two-pointers and 8 of 9 from the free throw line, although he missed all 4 of his three-point attempts. Besides, Wembanyama He captured 5 defensive rebounds and made 2 blocks, making several outstanding plays during the game.

Other key players for France were sylvain Francis and Timothy Luwawu-Cabarrot. Francis He added 20 points, including 8 in the fourth quarter, going 4 of 7 on three-pointers and 6 of 7 on free throws. For its part, Luwawu-Cabarrot He contributed 19 points, making 9 of 10 free throws and 4 of 7 from the field.

On the Serbian side, Nikola Jokic He was the dominant figure with a double-double of 34 points and 13 rebounds. The Denver center Nuggets He converted 13 of his 18 free throws, although he missed some in the final quarter, and recorded 8 of 19 on two-point shots and 1 of 4 on three-pointers. Nikola Jovic, Miami forward Heatalso reached double figures with 13 points and 5 rebounds.