France Secures First Victory in EuroBasket 2025 Warm-ups Against Montenegro
The French basketball team kicks off EuroBasket 2025 warm-ups with an 81-75 victory over Montenegro.
Key Points
- • France won 81-75 against Montenegro in their first Euro 2025 warm-up.
- • Alex Sarr had a standout performance, scoring 19 points.
- • Team needs to improve collective play and defense, as highlighted by players.
- • Next match is against Great Britain on August 8, continuing their preparation.
In their initial warm-up match for EuroBasket 2025, the French national basketball team triumphed over Montenegro with a score of 81-75 on August 4. The match took place at Vendespace near La Roche-sur-Yon and served as a crucial step in their preparation for the upcoming tournament, scheduled from August 27 to September 14 across Latvia, Cyprus, Finland, and Poland.
The French team, under the guidance of coach Frédéric Fauthoux, kicked off the game strongly, with Vincent Poirier scoring the first point through a free throw, setting the tone early. Notably, Alex Sarr made his debut, showcasing his potential by scoring 19 points, including 11 in the final quarter. His performance, coupled with Hifi contributing 14 points, was pivotal in maintaining the team's momentum, particularly during intense phases of the match.
France began the game with an impressive first quarter, leading 24-13, and maintained a halftime lead of 38-27. However, Montenegro closed the gap during the third quarter, pulling within four points at 59-55, largely thanks to the skills of Nikola Vucevic, who led the Montenegrin effort with 19 points. Despite some struggles, the French team regained control in the final period and secured their victory.
Alex Sarr's debut encapsulated both promise and a need for adjustment, as he expressed a desire to develop the team's defensive strategies and overall identity. Zaccharie Risacher, a highly anticipated player, did not perform to expectations, suggesting that he is still acclimating to the team dynamics. Guerschon Yabusele emphasized the need for improvement, stating, "We need to work on our collective play and defense as we look toward EuroBasket."
Following this match, the French squad must finalize their roster, with six players set to be cut from the current 18-man lineup, as they aim for redemption after finishing as runners-up in the last EuroBasket in 2022. Their next challenge will be against Great Britain on August 8, as they continue their preparation for the tournament.