Euro U16: France gives in to Spain (78-64) in the semi-finals

Showing great awkwardness almost throughout the match, Les Bleuets could not resist the Spanish furia orchestrated by Mario Saint-Supery and Jorge Carot: 78-64. The French will play for the bronze medal against Greece tomorrow.

The French U16s did not lead a single second in their semi-final against the usual Spanish rival. Basketball continues to be a sport in which the goal is to put the ball in the basket, the Bleuets have shown that you cannot win a match by shooting 41% on shots and, even worse, by a horrible 8/19 on free throws.

Despite an aggressive defense, France regularly showed a lack of concentration and a messy attack, responsible for 20 ball losses (the Spaniards playing “even game” in this sector). And, in attack, despite a relatively elaborate game, she showed catastrophic skill, missing a number of open or easy shots.

In addition, opposite, the nugget Mario Saint-Supery (21 points at 8/19 on shots, 6 assists and 5 interceptions for 19 evaluation) produced a show just tainted by some delicacies as a soloist. And he was more than supported by the pivot Jorge Carot, discreet but very effective (16 points at 8/9 on shots, 8 rebounds, 1 against for 24 evaluation). On the French side, only Nolan Traoré (20 points at 8/15, 9 assists but 7 stray balls for 14 evaluation) survived, while Noa Essengue (10 points at 4/10) and Mohamed Diakité (5 points at 2/ 6 and 6 rebounds) were far too timid.

In fact, France never gave the impression of being able to come back to the score, especially as the Spaniards feasted on telephone passes from the Bleuets, making no less than 13 interceptions.

While Spain will face Lithuania, victorious 77-61 of Greece in the other semi-final, the French will have to overcome their disappointment to overcome the Greek players and clinch a bronze medal.

Boxscore France-Spain U16

Photo FIBA Europe