France’s U17 Women needed a late basket to edge out Sweden’s U18 team 49-47 and complete a series sweep as part of their preparations for the inaugural FIBA U17 World Championship for Women.
With the score tied at 47, Christelle Diallo scored the go-ahead basket in the dying seconds and the hosts held on to make it two wins out of two games against their visitors from Scandinavia.
Arnaud Guppillotte’s team got off to a good start to lead 15-7 early in the second quarter, but the game became more physical and that worked in Sweden’s favour as they cut the deficit to 22-17 by halftime.
The Swedes carried that momentum into the third quarter. They did an excellent job of drawing fouls and that allowed them to tied the game at 36 all heading into the final frame.
Anaëlle Le Bruchec hit two three-pointers to edge the hosts back in front 43-41 but the Swedes did not relent as they tied it at 47 on their final possession and ultimately were only denied by Diallo’s winning basket.
The French won the first game between the two teams 50-45 over the weekend.
France are the host nation for the first-ever FIBA U17 World Championship for Women that will take place in Toulouse and Rodez from 16th to 25th July.
They have been drawn in Group A and will go up against Canada, Japan, Russia, Turkey and the USA.
Les Bleus continue their preparations for that event with a trip to Banja Koviljaca in Serbia from Friday to Sunday (25th-27th June) and will play Serbia’s U18 Women in three games.
