Sylvain Francisco saves the country in Sombathely

The third match in their history in Sombathely (two defeats in the qualification for the European Championship in 2002 and in a friendly match in 1976), the French team wanted to get back on the right foot in the qualification for the next World Cup, and above all to erase the bitter taste of defeat against Finland (83-76) during the last international period last December.

The fellers from Finland and Iceland, Hungary are not to be taken lightly, even if their main offensive weapon, their only Euroleague player, Nathan Revers (at Valencia) did not play. And for good reason, at the Colosseum-like Arena Savaria, the Blues stuck to the direct carpet. Hungary did not tremble at the first shots and from the start inflicted 13-6. It must be said that with no less than 7 lost balls in the first minutes of the match, the five players of Coach Fauthouk are still looking for automatics.

The entry of Amina Nou (the Blues’ top scorer with 15 points and 6 rebounds) helps restart the machine a bit. 10-2 for the Blues in this case, allowing them to finish in the lead after the first quarter (16-15). But without convincing, and that’s an understatement…

The hero of the double overtime win against Olympiakos Evan Fournier, Sylvain Francisco is also starting to find his rhythm. He’s the one +10 behind the arc halfway through the second quarter. But Hungary came back with a quick 6-0 run. As a veteran, Amath M’Baie smooths things out in a one-on-one, and Mokoka’s great defensive intensity keeps Hungary in line at halftime (38-31). With 10 passes and 5 interceptions, Hungary offers the best collective performance, compared to France’s paltry 4/11 on 3-pointers.

Sylvain Francisco to the rescue

Francisco takes on the job of putting several Hungarian defenders to the ground, including a special slalom in the circle. But neither he nor Noua, who continues to contribute offensively, can really win over Hungary’s gala Zsombor Maronka (17 points on 6/9 shooting). The Blues still lead before the last quarter (55-47), but without much certainty.

This is strongly confirmed when the Hungarians return to -1 at the end of the match, thanks to a basket by Zoltan Perl (20 points) against Yvo Pons, who is still solid in defense. In the final minute, the Blues had to pull away and had possession under very high tension. Again Amath M’Baie sticks to it and completes his layup, despite the contact.

After the failure of Norbert Lukacs in a very difficult attempt, which he misses, France is only left to manage the clock… But it will really be an ordeal until the end with the loss of the ball to M’Baillet. And a lunar triple, on one leg, in the corner that moves toward Maronca’s baseline. Then Francisco (10 points, 5 assists but 7 turnovers), after a complicated journey to Hungary, made a killer shot for 3 points in the corner, 2 seconds from the gong (74-71).

The Blues run away from cutting Sombatei with a shot from their best player, full of confidence this season in the Euroleague. Not only will we have to do it again on Sunday at Le Mans, but with added style (18 turnovers in total for just 13 assists) in front of the French crowd. The Blues are now tied with Hungary at the top of Group G in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.

(Photo credits: FIBA)