France Outlasts Japan in Overtime Thriller
France secured a dramatic overtime victory against Japan, finishing with a score of 94-90. Victor Wembanyama played a pivotal role in the win, scoring all of his team's points in the initial four-and-a-half minutes of overtime and amassing a total of 18 points throughout the game.
Matthew Strazel was instrumental in forcing the game into overtime, pulling off a remarkable four-point play with just 10 seconds left in regulation. Japan fought valiantly but was hindered by the ejection of Rui Hachimura, who received a disqualifying foul with eight-and-a-half minutes left in regulation.
Despite his ejection, Hachimura delivered an impressive performance, contributing 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting in just 28 minutes. His teammate, Yuki Karamura, led all scorers with 29 points, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the contest.
Canada Downs Australia with Balanced Effort
In another notable game, Canada emerged victorious over Australia, securing a 93-83 win. RJ Barrett led the Canadian team with 24 points, shooting 8-for-15 from the field in only 25 minutes of play. Barrett also chipped in seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, earning high praise from his coach, Jordi Fernandez.
“He's that guy,” said Fernandez. “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the third quarter alone, contributing to their total of 18 for the game. Josh Giddey shone for the Australians, scoring 15 points by halftime, while Jock Landale delivered a strong performance with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. On the other hand, Patty Mills had an off night, scoring only eight points on a dismal 2-for-10 shooting.
Spain Triumphs Over Greece in Hard-Fought Battle
Spain managed to hold off a resilient Greece team, securing an 84-77 win. Santi Aldama was a standout for Spain, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown contributed to the Spanish effort with 10 assists and seven points, helping orchestrate the offense efficiently.
Greece faced a significant deficit early, trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, but managed to stage a determined rally. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the primary force behind Greece's resurgence, with a stellar performance that included 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
“He's our best player, and he knows it,” declared Spain guard Dario Brizuela about Antetokounmpo.
Spain's coach Sergio Scariolo was strategic about his team's defensive approach. “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game,” said Scariolo, in reference to their late-game defensive strategy that ultimately secured their victory.