France defeats Germany in exhibition play minus Parker

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The French National team continued its preparation for the 2013 Eurobasket Tuesday with an 89-84 victory over Germany. As was reported Saturday, San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker did not play in the friendly exhibition. 

The French defense was the highlight of the first half as they held Germany to 19 points in the first quarter and just 13 points in the second quarter as France was coasting into halftime with a 16-point lead. Spurs' forward Boris Diaw and guard Nando De Colo didn't even score in the first half but Nicolas Batum of the Portland Trail Blazers went into half with nine points.

After France took as much as a 20-point lead early in the third quarter, Germany's offense kicked into gear as the Germans poured in 27 points in the third quarter and 25 points in the fourth quarter, but De Colo found a rhythm in the second half where he scored all 15 of his points to help France hold on for the victory. De Colo also dished six assists in the victory.

Diaw finished with game with two points and three assists while Batum ended the day with 17 points.

France's next opponent in exhibition play will be Croatia on Saturday. One of the newest Spurs, Marco Belinelli, will begin exhibition with Italy on Wednesday as the Italians will face Georgia.

The 2013 Eurobasket will kick off on September 4th.