France Mounts Comeback, Downs Lithuania
Messie-Guethan Iwani delivered a game-defining performance, notching 21 points and 16 rebounds, to spearhead France's stunning 92-82 comeback win against Lithuania at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket.
France held a 10-point lead at halftime (47-37), but Lithuania, fueled by an exceptional 17-point, 7-assist outing from reserve Rapolas Klisauskas, surged ahead to enter the fourth quarter with a one-point advantage (70-69).
However, France responded emphatically in the decisive final period, outscoring Lithuania 23-12 to seal the victory. Their 52% field goal shooting (33/63) proved superior to Lithuania's 45% (27/60). Liham Eleka added 25 points and 8 assists for France, while Danielius Jasikevicius starred for Lithuania with 21 points and 9 assists.
Despite Lithuania's bench contributing 33 points, France's crucial late-game execution, highlighted by 18 steals, proved decisive. This victory serves as a significant statement for France in the tournament.