Late French Surge Sees Off Pesky Sweden

Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi and the rest of the French froncourt did an outstanding job on the glass, out-rebounding Sweden 53-31

France secured successive wins in Group A at the U18 European Championship Women after producing a powerful final quarter display to eventually overcome a determined Sweden, 66-50.

The Swedes were full of confidence, having fought back to beat Poland on the first day, and while France looked to be a real tough assignment on paper, coach Mikael Johannsson and his players did a good job of staying in the game until a late collapse.

Indeed by the end of a high tempo and vibrant first period, Sweden found themselves 19-17 in front and asking some serious questions of the French - perhaps still feeling the effects of their energy-sapping late night win against the Spanish.

As half-time approached, France had worked themselves in front and their lead was doubled as Awa Sissoko finished the scoring by draining a triple to put her team 34-28 ahead.

Sweden came out for the third period looking rejuvenated and centre Paulina Hersler helped bring them back to within a point, but it was to be as near as they would get.

The French slowly but surely began to exert their influence at both ends of the court and especially on the glass, where they were particularly dominant.

France had four players in double digits with the pick of those players Aby Gaye who pulled down a vital six offensive rebounds.