Feb 27 β€’ 19:18 UTC πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France Le Figaro

Basketball: Thanks to Francisco, the French team escapes the Hungarian trap in qualifications for the 2027 World Cup

The French national basketball team defeated Hungary 74-71 in a tense qualifier for the 2027 World Cup.

The French national basketball team secured a narrow victory against Hungary, winning 74-71 in a qualifying match for the 2027 World Cup held in Szombathely. This victory comes after France faced a disappointing defeat against Finland in their last outing. Despite missing key players from the NBA and EuroLeague, the squad performed well, with notable contributions from Amine Noua (15 points), Amath M’Baye (13 points), and Benjamin Sene (12 points). Sylvain Francisco was the hero of the night, making a crucial basket just two seconds before the final buzzer, clinching the win for France.

Hungary had been undefeated in the qualifiers prior to this match, making the victory significant for France's standings in the tournament. With this win, France now holds two victories and one loss, placing them in a competitive position as they prepare to face Hungary again in a rematch on Sunday in Le Mans. This match serves as a crucial opportunity for the French team to solidify their qualification path ahead of the World Cup.

Looking ahead, the excitement surrounding basketball in France continues to build as they strive for success on the global stage. The French team's resilience and strategic play in overcoming Hungary highlight their potential as they work towards qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar, showcasing a mix of emerging talents and experienced players. The upcoming rematch will be pivotal as both teams seek to enhance their positions in the qualifiers.

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