By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
A rare misstep for the USA in the FIBA U19 World Cup with France drawing the win in Debrecen, Hungary.
The team coached by Lamine Kebe prevailed, 89-86, Saturday.
Promising power forward Zacharie Perrin poured a game-high 18 points to go with nine rebounds, five assists, and one steal, before fouling out.
“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,” reacted Perrin, “We did a perfect job today.”
Melvin Ajinca followed with 17 points, including a clutch three-pointer to wrap up the game-winning 14-3 run for a five-point lead in crunch time. Alexandre Bouzidi chipped in 16 points.
“We have one more game to go. We are ready for the Final,” underlined Zaccharie Risacher following a 13-point input for France.
For the losing side, Mark Amstrong tallied a team-high 17 points and Tobe Awaka posted a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double.
According to the blowout win, 83-51, for Spain in the second semifinal, France learned the opponent in the gold medal game Sunday. The USA will instead battle with Turkiye for the bronze medals.
More classification contests send Argentina and Serbia for the fifth place, Canada and Japan for the seventh place, Slovenia and China for the ninth place, Brazil and South Korea for the 11th place, Egypt and Madagascar for the 13th place, and Lebanon and Hungary for the 15th place.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL