Led by an all-around play from Victor Khryapa (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) and JR Holden’s 15 points, Russia defeated France 75-71 yesterday in what turned out to be a free-throw accuracy contest towards the end the game.

With 24 seconds remaining in the game and the game tied at 69 a piece, twelve free throws would determine the final score. Russia was able to hit 6-8, while France was only able to convert 1-4 by French co-captains Tony Parker and Boris Diaw (Diaw missed both).

The win ends a ten-year drought for the former European powerhouse, who haven’t seen the final four since 197, they will now advance to the semi-finals and play against the winner of the Lithuania-Croatia game (game thread)

This was the first game during EuroBasket 2007 that Andrei Kirilenko did not lead Russia in either points, assists or Rebounds, however AK was able to contribute 6 rebounds, 7 steals, and 4 blocks. Boris Diaw led France with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 turnovers. Tony Parker added 15 points and 3 assists for Les Bleus.