KAUNUS, Lithuania--Nicolas Batum's key block went perfectly with his 10 fourth quarter points. He and Nando De Colo shot 12-of-17 in France's win over Greece Thursday night.
Greece made it difficult for France. They led the French twice, lost the cushion both times, then finally gave way before a more talented team, 64-56.
France will play Russia in the Eurobasket semifinals. Russia defeated Serbia 77-67 in Kaunus Arena's late game.
De Colo was averaging 5.5 points a game in the tournament. At halftime against Greece, he had already put 12 into the hoop. His NBA rights belong to the San Antonio Spurs, same as his teammate Tony Parker. De Colo kept France in the game when they couldn't buy a basket.
This was to Greece's advantage--they wanted to slow the tempo, use the shot clock. A sound strategy against France, who knew they would win an athletic contest.
Greece leaped out to a 15-4 advantage; their plan of getting a lead and sitting on it seemed possible. The French faithful in attendance looked worried at the team's slow start. Were they underachieving again?
France's national team has come under scrutiny lately. Their 96-69 whipping against Spain on September 11 was questionable. But most observers believe France has as much talent as any team on the planet. 2011 Eurobasket gives them a fine chance to prove it.
France made the worries look silly. A late-quarter run, capped by Tony Parker's free throws, brought them within three points of Greece.
De Colo went to work in the second quarter, scoring five points in a 7-0 France run. The score was tied at 21.
Early in the third period, Joakim Noah was struck on the bridge of his nose. For a minute, Noah looked as dazed as the French fans in attendance--though the game was close, their team was struggling offensively.
Seven-footer Ioannis Bourousis gave Greece major inside presence. Early in the game, France's Charles Kahudi and Joakim Noah contributed to a low post mismatch. But Bourousis' energetic moves helped build a three-shot lead. He had 17 points and 11 boards tonight.
That was when France turned the corner. Noah and De Colo hit the floor after a long stretch on the bench, with the score 45-40. The French had missed Noah's post play--the kinds of things that don't show on stat sheets--and it showed as soon as he returned.
De Colo and Batum did most of the work in a 9-0 run that, in effect, put the game away. Parker came on when it mattered too, going 4-for-6 in the fourth. The three of them combined for 49 of France's points.
Greece's shot failed them for a few minutes, and their style does not lend to quick comebacks. The pressure of trying began to tell on the young team, as they missed a few late free throws. Three-point percentage also hurt Greece tonight; they were an atrocious 3-for-21. France outmatched them physically, and an underdog who misses treys is in trouble.
France won all of their games in Group B. They still needed a win against Greece to safeguard their London Olympics future.
These teams last met in 2009 Eurobasket's second round. France won, 71-69.
Chris DeBrie - Chris DeBrie has written for "The Appalachian", Examiner, and The 12th Man. He is the author of several novels.
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