France suffers loss to Japan in the final tune-up game

By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net

France wrapped up prep games ahead of the Olympic Games with a loss, 81-75, to Japan on Saturday (early Sunday morning in France) at Saitama.

Evan Fournier logged team-high 16 points, including 12 after the break. Rudy Gobert had 11 points plus eight rebounds.

The hosts distanced themselves in double-digits in the second period and finished the first half up 16 points. The ensuing comeback knotted the national teams at 74, but a 7-1 finishing run secured the W.

Rui Hachimura with 19 points and Yuta Watanabe with 18 points led the way for Japan. Makoto Hiejima added 15 points.

France will take on the United States in the opener of the Olympic Games preliminary round next Sunday. Iran and the Czech Republic are the other Group A teams.

Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL

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