After falling to Greece on Sunday, the French National team continued its preparation for the 2013 Eurobasket with a victory over Serbia Thursday in Antibes, France. However, Thursday's victory would use more than four quarters for Les Bleus to earn the win.
Needing overtime, the French defeated Serbia 78-74 as San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker led Les Bleus with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals in 29 minutes of play. Alexis Ajinca, Mickael Gelabale, and Joffrey Lauvergne each scored 13 points a piece as well in the victory for France.
Spurs forward Boris Diaw scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the match while guard Nando De Colo came off the bench to put in 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals for Les Bleus.
Both teams played a close first quarter before France created separation with their defense by outscoring Serbia 22-11 in the second quarter. France was able to take a 13-point lead into halftime but in the third quarter, Serbia's offense would explode as they outscored France 26-11. The fourth quarter went down to the wire as France outscored Serbia 20-18 but after four quarters, overtime was needed. In the extra period, Les Bleus pulled away for the victory as they outscored Serbia 9-5.
France will continue exhibition play on Saturday as Georgia will travel to Antibes, France for the match.
