As the solid leader of their group, the French U20 team faced Serbia in their opening match of the EuroBasket U20 Women's final phase. Despite the challenging opponent, the French women lived up to their favorite status, securing a victory in the round of 16 with a score of 81-65.

Powered by outstanding performances from Sarah Cissé (33 points on 13/19 shooting, 10 rebounds, 37 efficiency rating), Stella Colas (13 points on 6/7 shooting, 8 rebounds, 3 assists), and Lana Bentoumi (10 points, 9 rebounds), the young French team established a significant lead by the second quarter, which they won 31-18.

Xavier Noguera's players built up a lead of up to 19 points after halftime. They managed to withstand a Serbian comeback attempt, as the Serbians struggled with their shooting (34% field goal percentage) and were physically outmatched (48 rebounds to 24) to make a lasting impact, even though they closed the gap to 5 points early in the fourth quarter (61-66).

On Friday, July 10th, in the quarter-finals (time to be determined), the French team will compete against Lithuania, the host nation of the tournament, who defeated Germany (83-69). The winner of this matchup will then face the victor of the Spain vs. Turkey game in the semi-finals.

English Translation:

Euro U20 Women's: France Ousts Serbia and Advances to Quarter-Finals

As the dominant leader of their group, the French U20 team was matched against Serbia for their entry into the final phase of the EuroBasket U20 Women's Championship. It was no easy draw, but the Tricolores upheld their favorite status in the round of 16, winning 81-65.

Led by Sarah Cissé (33 points on 13/19 shooting, 10 rebounds, 37 efficiency rating), Stella Colas (13 points on 6/7 shooting, 8 rebounds, 3 assists), and Lana Bentoumi (10 points, 9 rebounds), the young French squad pulled away decisively from the second quarter onwards, which they won 31-18.

Xavier Noguera's players held a lead of up to 19 points after halftime. They then withstood the Serbians' comeback attempt, as the Serbian team proved too inaccurate (34% shooting) and were outplayed physically (48 rebounds to 24) to make a sustained comeback, despite closing the gap to -5 early in the fourth quarter (61-66).

This Friday, July 10th, in the quarter-finals (time to be confirmed), the French will face Lithuania, the host country of the tournament, who eliminated Germany (83-69). The winner of this duel will go on to play the winner of the Spain - Turkey match in the final four.