San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker and the French national team are undefeated after six games at the 2011 EuroBasket. Facing host Lithuania, that unblemished record was put to the test.
Spurs' Nando De Colo turned out his best performance in the 2011 EuroBasket to help France stay unbeaten after seven games.
France won the opening quarter, 18-16 and stretched their lead, 34-28 over Lithuania at the break.
However, the Lithuanians made a strong comeback in the third quarter holding France to just nine points in the period while scoring 18 on the offensive end to take a 46-43 advantage heading into the fourth.
In the fourth quarter, the French nationals found their touch and outscored Lithuania 30-21, enroute to their seven straight win in the tournament beating the Lithuanians 73-67.
Spurs draftee Nando De Colo played his best game in the tournament and led France with 21 points, four rebounds and five steals while shooting 57.1 percent from the field in 26 minutes of action.
Parker also had a good game and finished with 19 points, three rebounds, one assist and a steal in 33 minutes of play.
Simas Jasaitis top scored for Lithuania with 13 points, while Jonas Valanciunas added 12 points in a losing cause.
Parker and Team France will face perhaps their biggest challenge in the tournament when they play against the Gasol brothers and Spain at 18:00 (GMT +3) in Vilnius on Sunday.
A great win by France before facing a tough Spain team. I’m happy to see De Colo play his hearts out.
Nice come from behind win, De Colo was the key scoring 13 points in the final quarter. Spurs should get him for next season.
Good time to step up from Nando, this French backcourt is really awesome.
I can’t wait for the France vs. Spain matchup, that will be a true test for Tony Parker and company.