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France upset Italy with pre-Olympic men's basketball win
PERTH, Australia, Sept 9 (AFP) - France snatched a thrilling, morale-boosting victory over European champions Italy in a men's basketball clash at a pre-Olympic tournament here Saturday night. France finally won 79-72 in extra time at Challenge Stadium after scores had been locked at 68 each at full-time. The victory boosts France's prospects of fulfilling coach Jean-Pierre De Vincenzi's hopes that his men will reach the quarter-finals in Sydney. It is the first time in 16 years France has qualified for the Olympic basketball contest. Yann Bonato led the way for France with 20 points, while Antoine Rigaudeau and Stephane Risacher grabbed 13 each, Frederic Weis 10 and Moustapha Sonko seven. For Italy, Carlton Myers was in good touch, notching 19 points. He was well supported by Gregor Fucka and Marcelo Damiao (nine each). France led 37-31 at half-time, but Italy reversed that scoreline in the second period to be level at full-time before France settled the issue with an 11-4 advantage in the first period of overtime. The French win came a day after they had been beaten 82-67 by Spain. France complete the Western Australian leg of their Olympic preparations with a match against a local Alltars team here Sunday. On Saturday night, Spain defeated the Allstars 110-68.
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