By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted 23 points, five rebounds plus five assists and RJ Barrett added 21 points as Canada beat France 85 – 73 in a friendly game in Orleans ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games.
Both teams have one more preparation match to play before the Olympics, France vs. Australia and Canada against Puerto Rico on Sunday (21/7).
Guerchon Yabusele stood out for France with 19 points while Rudy Gobert had 12 points and six rebounds. Victor Wembanyama added 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists, scoring eight in the first half. He faced foul trouble practically fro the start, commiting two in the first 45 seconds.
Wemby also made the basket that put France up 45 – 44 early in the second half but Canada made a 0 – 7 run to go up. Jordi Fernandez’s players extended their advantage to 61 – 76 halfway through the fourth period and remained ahead with a double-digit advantage for the rest of the game.
Kelly Olynyk provided 14 points for Canada, having seven straight near the end of the third period as Canada was trying to establishing a lead.
Canada was without Jamal Murray while Nicolas Batum was sidelined for France.