There was nothing at stake but pride for France and Hungary in Thursday's Umcor European Championship U18 match-up.

Neither side had a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, having lost their previous two quarter-final round games.

It was France who had perhaps more to prove.

The French established themselves as early medal favourites, compliling a 3-0 preliminary round record. But losses to Spain and Czech Republic in the quarter-final round prematurely ended their championship hopes.

Wednesday's loss to Czech Republic was particularly painful after France had led for most of the game.

France certainly needed no motivation to come out firing against Hungary and that is exactly what they did.

Center Endene Miyem helped to lay the foundation for a signigicant early advantage. She tallied 10 points and 7 rebounds in a dominant French first half performance and they led 44-23 at the half.

There was no respite for Hungary in the second half. France gave no indication of giving up an iron-clad grip on the game and ran out easy winners, 75-54.

Miyem finished with 12 points for France, as did Melanie Plust and Marielle Amant.