By Niki Bakouli/ bakouli@eurohoops.net
Until the start of the second half, the game between France and Slovenia seemed destined to be decided even in the last shot. However, Tony Parker and his teammates didn’t want to take any risk and got the win by ten points (72-62).
The best Slovenia did was cut the lead to seven points (67-60) 1,5 minute before the end, but the French defense and Parker who scored 17 of his 27 points in the second half decided the outcome. San Antonio Spurs star outplayed Goran Dragic (18 p., 6 as.) and Slovenia had a bad shooting night with just 34,4% efficiency from the floor. Maybe the pressure of being the host nation of the competition finally caught up with coach Maljkovic’s players. France will face Spain in the semifinal game of Saturday.