France Eliminates USA from Basketball World Cup in Major Upset

Voice of America
12 Sep 2019, 04:05 GMT+10

DONGGUAN, CHINA. - Rudy Gobert scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as France handed the United States their first loss in the FIBA World Cup in 13 years on Wednesday to advance to the semi-finals in China with an 89-79 win.

France will play next on Friday against Argentina, who advanced by defeating Serbia on Tuesday night.

Shooting guard Donovan Mitchell of the NBA's Utah Jazz scored 29 points as he helped the Americans to cut down a 10-point French advantage in the third quarter and seize back the lead in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan.

But the French came back, led by the imposing Gobert and sharp-shooting small forward Evan Fournier of the Orlando Magic.

Fournier slashed to the hoop for a driving lay-up to give France the lead again at 78-76 and they held off the Americans through the final minutes.

The writing has been on the wall for the USA squad, which sent a team of second-tier stars to the competition and promptly suffered a shock loss to Australia in a warm-up exhibition two weeks ago.

The loss in Melbourne was the first for the United States in 78 consecutive games in major competitions and exhibition games.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Mexico Star.

More Information

North America

Section

Iran President may not attend UNGA

Tehran (Iran), Sept 18 (ANI): Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif might skip the UN General Assembly ...

Taliban 'Open' To Fresh Talks With U.S. After Deadly Afghan Bombings

The Taliban's chief negotiator has said the 'doors are open' to resuming talks with the United States, hours after two ...

U.S. Citizen Whelan Says In Moscow Courtroom He Was Set Up

Paul Whelan, whom Russia accuses of espionage, has said a friend framed him and that he isn't a spy, according ...

White House Upgrade: First Lady's Done a Lot with the Place

WASHINGTON - She's done a lot with the place.Like anyone who has ever spruced up their home, Melania Trump will ...

Curious Kids: How big is the International Space Station?

If you have a question you'd like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskids@theconversation.edu.au.The International Space Station (ISS) is ...

Foreign Minister: US Seeking to Make Cubans Seek Asylum in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA - Honduran Foreign Minister Lisandro Rosales said on Tuesday that negotiations with the United States could make Cuban migrants ...

International

Section