The Portuguese under-20 basketball team lost 54-41 to France this Wednesday and were eliminated in the 1/8 finals of the European Championship, which takes place in Podgorica, Montenegro.
After beating Israel (90-86, after extra time) and losing to Italy (67-71) and Greece (91-56) in Group B games, the Portuguese were always chasing results, with the second period to prove to be the most balanced challenge.
The Gauls were always in the lead in the match and the 10 point lead achieved in the first period (it went to 12) made the difference in quality obvious, although Portugal managed to keep just one point away from a draw (21-20). and 28-27), at two moments, in the next period.
Only one point behind at half-time (28-27), Portugal failed to maintain consistency and naturally the third and fourth periods were dominated by France, who showed relentlessness and quickly returned to the “fire” due to significant differences, “sealing” A triumph by a brilliant 13 points lead.
In the final period, Portugal scored only five points.
Andre Cruz with 17 points and 10 rebounds was the best on the corners side, supported well by Ruben Prey (10 points and the same rebounds), while Ivan Kedraogo (12 points and 12 rebounds) excelled in France.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
