For their first CO’Met, in Orleans, the Blues did not deviate from their trajectory. They recorded a third success in as many preparation meetings for the World Cup (August 25-September 10). An expected success against Venezuela (86-67), second category nation despite their summer feat (they eliminated Argentina, finalists of the last edition in China, from the World Cup race).
However, the French won with manner and by displaying a coherent face, a very serious game in defense, without registering any notable air pocket. The same could not be said a year ago at Eurobasket.
The French remain undefeated against the South Americans in three games in their history. They were never behind in a game where their athletic dominance allowed them to clearly impose their will under the hoops (24-15 on the rebound at the break, 39-30 in the end).
With the same five major as against Tunisia (93-36) and Montenegro (80-69), the one who officiated during the Olympic silver in Tokyo in 2021, France rolled out, widening the first gap – 20-6 after a 12-0, 10th – on the entry of substitutes Elie Okobo (5 points, 3 assists), and Terry Tarpey (6 points, 3 rebounds).
10
The number of free throws missed by the French, the only downside of their evening (24/34)
His only “fright” came in the middle of the second quarter when, on a short stint in the zone, the Venezuelans picked up at -4 (20-16, 11th). But Moustapha Fall, on a giant dunk, and the French leaders, like an adroit Evan Fournier at 3 points (13 points, 3/5 from afar, 4 assists) and who looked a lot for his friend of the generation 92 Rudy Gobert, set the record straight.
Big test against Lithuania on Wednesday
For the rest, Vincent Collet attended a controlled match, with fluid attacking play (24 assists), enlightened by the vista of Nando De Colo (6 assists) and Nicolas Batum (5 rebounds, 3 assists), who had so much missed a year ago, and logically asked his team to press inside against a team with few large players. What they did by serving Rudy Gobert abundantly (10 points, 10 rebounds at the break, 13 and 11 in the end), while Guerschon Yabusele, the French top scorer of the evening, danced both in the racket and behind the arc 3 points (14 points, 2/5 to 3 points, 5 fouls caused).
Upon returning from the locker room (43-31), the Blues only had to build on their lead as the Venezuelans gradually lowered their flag. On a 3-point shot from Nando De Colo, the lead increased to 26 lengths (66-40, 28th). Then the coach rotated. From Wednesday, a big test awaits the France team, once again in Orleans, against Lithuania (8:30 p.m.).
2023-08-07 20:19:25
#Blues #trajectory #Venezuela
