EuroBasket U18 Women: France Secures Quarter-Final Spot

Undefeated after the first round, the French U18 women's team, known as the 'Bleuettes', faced Sweden in the EuroBasket U18 Round of 16. While it's never easy to start knockout matches, especially against the host nation, France effectively managed their opponent on Wednesday evening, securing a 71-50 victory.

Vincent Bourdeau's squad gradually pulled away throughout the game, limiting the Swedes to just 32% shooting and forcing them into an astonishing 32 turnovers. This strong defensive effort was rewarded with 16 steals, including 4 by Thelma Leray (3 points, 6 assists), 19 offensive rebounds, and 21 assists.

Offensively, the entire team shared the scoring load, but Astrid Courbot was the most consistent performer, contributing 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, including 2-of-3 from three-point range, and a perfect 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.

In the quarter-finals, the French team will face the winner of the Slovenia vs. Latvia match on Thursday at 6 PM.

English Translation:

Undefeated during the first round, the 'Bleuettes' had a date with Sweden in the U18 European Championship Round of 16. It's never easy to enter elimination games, especially against the host country, but France still controlled their opponent this Wednesday evening (71-50).

Vincent Bourdeau's collective progressively pulled away as the game went on, limiting the Swedes to 32% shooting and forcing them to lose... 32 balls! A great defensive effort, therefore, rewarded by 16 steals, including 4 for Thelma Leray (3 points, 6 assists), 19 offensive rebounds, and 21 assists.

On the offensive side, the whole team shared the responsibilities, but Astrid Courbot was the most consistent with 19 points on 6/9 shooting, including 2/3 from 3-pointers, plus 5/6 from the free-throw line.

In the quarter-finals, the Tricolores will face the winner of Slovenia - Latvia this Thursday at 6 PM.