After nearly three weeks of play, Eurobasket has been whittled down from 24 teams to just two national teams. France and Lithuania are the only teams standing and they’ll meet in the Eurobasket championship game on Sunday, September 22 (Watch France-Lithuania Online).
The finale will be a battle of philosophies – France comes in as an offensively-potent squad that is averaging 77.9 points per game in their 10 matches – second only to Greece (78.0). Les Bleus is also shooting over 53% from inside the three – ranked second overall, and led by Tony Parker’s constant penetration.
France’s offense is bolstered by San Antonio Spur / NBA All-Star Tony Parker who leads the tournament in scoring at 19.7 points a game, including 32 against Spain in the semifinals.
After making the semis in 1999 and 2005, and then a second-place finish in 2011, France will be determined to bring home their first ever Eurobasket title.
Lithuania, on the other hand, has relied on strong team defense to get them into the finale. Lithuania has limited teams to an average of 66.8 points per match and holds teams to 38% from the field. Their tough, physical defense makes them one of two teams in the tournament keeping teams below 70 points – that other team being Spain.
On the offensive side, Lithuania may be the most balanced team. In their ten matches – 10 different players have scored in double digits at least once. Their leading scorer? It’s Mantas Kalnietis at just 11.4 points a game.
Lithuania is looking for their fourth Eurobasket title.
France has met Lithuania 13 times in international competition with Lithuania taking seven of those matches. Discuss Eurobasket in our forum.
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