France survived Japan’s threat as they managed to secure a 94-90 overtime victory in their second group game at the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s basketball event.
The keenly contested clash saw the host nation trail by four points with just 16 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter before young guard Matthew Strazel stepped up and scored a 3+1 play, tying the game at 84.
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In the overtime, France took control to secure their second win in the Olympic Basketball Tournament with a final score of 94-90.
Victor Wembanyama was instrumental in the additional five minutes, scoring 8 points and finishing the game with a team-best 18 points (3/8 2PT, 3/5 3PT, 3/3 FT), 11 rebounds, and 6 assists over 31 minutes.
Japan faced a significant setback when their leader, Rui Hachimura, received his second unsportsmanlike foul and was ejected with 8:30 left in the game.
Before his exit, the Los Angeles Lakers star had scored 24 points (shooting 7/11 on 2-pointers, 3/5 on 3-pointers, and 1/2 on free throws) and grabbed 3 rebounds in 28 minutes.
Japan is currently 0-2 in the Paris Olympics and has a crucial game against Brazil scheduled for Friday.
France, on the other hand, has won both of their games and will face Germany to decide the top spot in Group B.
Photo credit: FIBA
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