The 2014 FIBA World Cup has been turned upside down after undermanned France knocked off host and co-favorite Spain in the quarterfinals, winning 65-52. France finished the fourth quarter on a 10-0 run, eliminating Spain on its home court.
FIBA World Cup 2014 results: France stuns host Spain in quarterfinals
Led by Boris Diaw and Rudy Gobert, France pulled away in the final two minutes to shock host Spain, 65-52, and advance to the semifinals.
Javier Soriano, Getty Images
Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert came up with huge defensive plays through the fourth quarter while Boris Diaw and Thomas Heurtel put on the finishing touches on offense. Diaw finished the game with a team-high 15 points. Heurtel added in 13 points, including the dagger with just over a minute left that pushed France's lead to eight.
Spain went ice cold from three-point range, making just two of its 22 attempts and putting it in an early deficit. France controlled the game through the first half, taking a 35-28 lead into halftime. Spain pushed back in the third, taking the lead as it fought for its tournament life, almost literally as the two sides started to get chippy following a foul (h/t Ben Golliver):
Pau Gasol finished the game with a team-high 17 points, but only Juan Carlos Navarro joined him with double-digit scoring. Spain scored just nine points in the fourth quarter and couldn't overcome the smothering French defense.
France will face Serbia in the semifinals Friday, while Spain must live with its best chance to win an international tournament falling by the wayside.
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