France 98 Bosnia & Herzegovina 76

France lived up to home expectations tonight in Luleå as they put on a second half show to dismantle Bosnia and Herzegovina, 98-76.

France began the first quarter with a strong starting five, particularly Jerome Moiso who proved to be unstoppable under the basket.

Despite the strong French start, Bosnia kept the game close, mainly thanks to guard Damir Mrsic who scored 22 points in the first half (8/9 shooting) alone.

French Head Coach Alain Weisz began the second quarter with his starters on the bench and Bosnia took advantage to cut the French lead to 3 points at the half (44-47).

Laurent Foirest began the third quarter with 2 consecutive 3-pointers, and the French began to surge ahead. Foirest finished with 19 points (5/7 3-pointers) and he sparked his team to a 27-15 run in the third quarter, which effectively ended Bosnia's hopes.

With Bosnia struggling on offense, the French turned the fourth quarter into their own version of showtime. Florent Pietrus, Alain Digbeu and Ronny Turiaf in particular brought the crowd to its feet with their spectacular play.

"We had a good play in the first half but in the second we did not do what we were excpected to do," said Mrsic. "But the french team is still one of the best."