In a thrilling display of basketball prowess and resilience, France emerged victorious over Japan in overtime with a nail-biting score of 94-90. The match featured standout performances, especially from Victor Wembanyama, who scored all his team’s points in the initial four-and-a-half minutes of overtime, contributing significantly to his game total of 18 points.
As the clock wound down in regulation, it was Matthew Strazel who forced the game into overtime with a clutch four-point play just 10 seconds before the buzzer. Japan, despite a valiant effort spearheaded by Yuki Karamura's 29 points, couldn't hold on for the win. The team faced a significant setback when Rui Hachimura was ejected with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation. Until his ejection, Hachimura had been a dominant force, scoring 24 points on efficient 10-for-16 shooting in just 28 minutes.
Canada Overpowers Australia
Meanwhile, in another intensely contested match, Canada managed to overcome Australia with a 93-83 victory. RJ Barrett shone brightly for Canada, leading the team with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting in 25 minutes. Barrett’s all-around performance was instrumental, as he also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out five assists, and made two steals. Canadian coach Jordi Fernandez was full of praise for Barrett, stating, “He's that guy,” and adding, “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia struggled significantly in the third quarter, committing nine of their total 18 turnovers, which shifted the momentum in favor of Canada. Josh Giddey made an impression with 15 points by halftime, while Jock Landale recorded a double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. However, the efforts of Patty Mills, who only managed eight points on 2-for-10 shooting, weren't enough to turn the tide for Australia.
Spain Dispatches Greece
In another clash, Spain triumphed over Greece with a score of 84-77. The game saw Spain taking a comfortable lead, at one point up by 16 points in the first half. However, Greece managed to rally back, making for an exciting finish. Santi Aldama was a key player for Spain, scoring 19 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown also contributed significantly with 10 assists and seven points.
Despite the loss, Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a stellar performance, scoring 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting. He also added 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals to his stat line. Spain’s coach Sergio Scariolo attributed their late-game success to strategic defensive maneuvers, saying, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game.”
The magnitude of Antetokounmpo's impact wasn’t lost on anyone. As Spain guard Dario Brizuela aptly put it, “He's our best player, and he knows it.” This game, like the others, was a testament to the high stakes and fine margins that define international basketball competitions.
With these electrifying matches wrapped up, the tournament continues to unfold, promising more excitement and memorable moments from some of the world's best basketball talents.