Eurobasket 2011 semi-finals: France gets to the final

AFP/Scanpix nuotr.

In the second semi-final French team fought against Russia, and once again showed a firm character - Russians had to bow their heads at the end. The fight was very tense and the winner got clear only in the end - 79:71 (17:16, 22:18, 16:13, 24:24) France celebrated victory.

Both teams went through the game almost foot-by-foot, though France had a little run-ahead. The Russians started to climb on their heels in the fourth quarter, but there wasn't enough time left to even or outwigh the score.

France was led by their constant leader Tony Parker, with the help of his teammates Nando de Colo and Ali Traore, who scored at the most important moments.

The Russian team had problems under the baskets - they lost rebounds for France 21 against 35.

France:: Tony Parker (3 reb., 3 ass.) - 22 pts., Nicholas Batum (7 reb.) - 19, Nando de Colo - 9, Ali Traore - 8, Joakim Noah (8 reb.) - 7. 

Russia:: Andrej Kirilenko - 21, Timofej Mozgov - 12, Viktor Chriapa - 9, Sergej Monia - 8.