MANILA, Philippines — If it was any indication, France was clearly the favorite over Turkey.
As if the being the World No. 5 wasn’t enough, the Mall of Asia crowd was even rooting for the Les Blues as they easily dispatched the Turks, 75 - 63, in the second game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Saturday night.
And they proved why.
France bucked a slow start to dig themselves out of a 10-point hole. Nando de Colo ignited a 13-0 run with Thomas Huertel keeping the gap wide in the second half.
Euroleague MVP and champion De Colo, who was key to France’s valiant stand against hosts Philippines, finished 13 points.
Huertel came alive in the fourth period, scoring 12 of his 17 total markers.
Turkey’s Omer Asik kept the game within fighting distance with his 19 markers.
But it wasn’t enough to surmount a sizeable lead built by the now-crowd favorites Les Blue.
France’s win arranges a Finals match against Canada, which also touts NBA-experienced players.
The Canucks beat the Tall Blacks in the earlier game, 78-72.
The Finals will tip off 9:00 pm, Sunday still at the Mall of Asia Arena. The winner will advance to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
