France Dominates Poland to Reach EuroBasket Final
France sealed a commanding semifinal victory in Berlin, advancing to the championship game with a 95-54 win over Poland. From the opening minutes, the French team set the tempo with relentless defense and efficient scoring, while Poland struggled to find a rhythm and could not mount a sustained challenge. The game showcased France’s disciplined defense and strong balance on offense, confirming their status as one of the tournament’s leading teams.
On offense, Gershon Yabusele led the charge for France with 22 points, delivering crucial baskets at key moments. The performance reflected a cohesive team effort, with other contributors stepping up in every quarter. The coaching staff under Vincent Collet focused on maintaining pressure and rotations that kept Poland from gaining any real traction as the game progressed. The French defense smothered their opponents in the first half, a display that set the tone for a dominant second period and a comfortable late finish.
Defensively, France locked Poland down, producing extremely low shooting percentages. Poland was held to only 18 points by halftime and struggled to convert from the field, a fact underscored by a team shooting line that remained well below its usual marks throughout the contest. This stifling defense translated into a sizable gap at the end of the third quarter as France repeatedly forced misses and converted with transition plays.
France’s depth came to the fore as the match wore on. Rudy Gobert contributed on the glass and interior defense, while Evan Fournier added scoring and playmaking to sustain the team’s offensive flow. The Gauls leveraged their size and length to disrupt Poland’s ball movement, and their sharpshooters found rhythm from beyond the arc when needed, building a 25-52 advantage by the middle of the fourth quarter. The game long since ceased to be in doubt, and the French bench players had the opportunity to rest stars ahead of the final.
In the technical statistics, France built a wide lead through both halves. The team executed well in transition and maintained defensive discipline, limiting Poland to a fraction of their typical output. France’s victory came with a masterful collective effort rather than reliance on a single standout performance, reflecting the depth and versatility that have characterized their EuroBasket run.
The semifinal outcome set up a dramatic final, with France poised to meet the winner of the other semifinal between Germany and Spain. The players and staff expressed confidence in their ability to adapt to whichever opponent arises, aiming to claim the continental title nine years after their last triumph. France’s overall performance in this semifinal illustrated a blend of strategic defense and balanced offense, a combination that has defined their campaign and fueled expectations for the final stage of the tournament.
Data sheet:
54 – Poland: Slaughter 9, Ponitka 7, Sokolowski 2, Cel 3, Balcerowski 5, Dziewa 5, Garbacz 5, Michalak 9, Olejniczak 2, Schenk 2, Zyskowski 5. Starting five noted for their contributions throughout the game.
95 – France: Albicy 3, Fournier 10, Tarpey 8, Yabusele 22, Gobert 6, Autumn 6, Heurtel 7, Luwawu-Cabarrot 4, Maledon 3, M’baye 8, Okobo 10, Poirier 8. The rotation provided steady scoring and crucial defense in bouts across the minutes played.
Referees: Saverio Lanzarini, Martins Kozlovskis, Lorenzo Baldini. The match took place in Berlin before a large crowd, showcasing EuroBasket’s prominent stage for top national teams.
Event: The first semifinal match of EuroBasket, played at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Berlin before a capacity audience, highlighting the tournament’s growing prestige and competitive depth.