France is one of the main outsiders for the gold. They've won all the games in Poland (5-0), and yesterday took an important victory over Croatia (79-87). Nicolas Batum ('88) collected 18 points (3/5 behind the arc), 5 rebounds and 2 blocks, while Antoine Diot ('89) only played 2 minutes (2 fouls). The french squad is full of NBA players. Only one player scores more points than Batum: Tony Parker. 

At another game of the group FYROM beat Germany 86-75 even the good job of Lucca Staiger ('88) and Tim Olbrecht ('88). The shooting-guard scored 14 points (4/6 threes) and the center collected 12 in 14'. Robin Benzing ('89) started the game, finishing with 6 points and 5 rebounds, while Elias Harris ('89) played only 6 minutes (1 rebound). Tibor Pleiss ('89) didn't play. Finally Greece lost against Russia (65-68). Kostas Koufos ('89) and Nick Calathes ('89) didn't play.

On the standings of this group E France is first (4-0) over Greece (3-1), Russia (2-2), Croatia (1-3), Germany (1-3) and FYROM (1-3).

 

Photo: FIBA Europe / Castoria / Wiedenhosler