Antwerp - Belgium is one game closer to advancing to the Eurobasket 2009 tournament after winning a close game over France 70-66.

The two teams are playing a two-game series, home and away, to determine the final selection to the Eurobasket tournament starting September 07, 2009.

The tightly-contested game was opened up when Belgium’s long range specialist Dimitri Lauwers hit two three-pointers in consecutive possessions with over a minute remaining to break a 64-64 tie.

Belgium hit eight shots from three-point range in the game.

6-8 Belgian forward Axel Hervelle was the top-scorer with 14 points. Roel Moors added 13, and Lauwers 12 in a balanced Belgian attack.

NBA forward DJ Mbenga had 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots for team Belgium.

Tony Parker, who was born in Bruges, Belgium but raised in France,  had 26 points for France in the loss. Golden State Warrior’s forward Ronny Turiaf added 14 points and 11 rebounds for Les Bleus.

France, who was defeated by four points in the game, must now defeat Belgium by more than four points in order to reach Eurobasket. The next game will be played in Pau, France on Sunday, August 30th.

Links and Resources: France – Belgium Boxscore (Eurobasket2009.org)