Never count anyone out.
The France men’s national basketball team defeated Japan, 94-90 on Tuesday in Lille.
This game should have been a loss for Les Bleus, even if they were winning for most of the first half. But the Japanese were leading 84-80 with 10 seconds eft when Matthew Strazel made a three while getting fouled. He completed the four point play to help get France into overtime.
MATTHEW STRAZEL WITH A 4-POINT PLAY. TIE GAME.pic.twitter.com/yWHmBBvE0x
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) July 30, 2024
When France went into overtime, Victor Wembanyama scored eight straight points to give France a 92-84 lead that Japan couldn’t overcome. Wemby scored 18 points to lead Les Bleus while Strazel added 17 more.
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly played 12 minutes. He scored 2 Points, grabbed 3 rebounds and dished 2 assists.
For Japan, Yuki Kawamura scored 29 points while Rui Hachimura added 24 more.
Les Bleus have one more game to play. On Friday, they will play Germany to finish the group stage. Tip off is 9 p.m. ET. See you then.