The story for Slovenia was one that is all too familiar.
Luka Doncic was incredible at getting to the free-throw line as he carried his home country to a halftime lead over favored France. However, in the second half, Doncic slows down, and the opponent chisels away until they take over late.
That was the script today as Slovenia fell to 0-2 after a 103-95 loss to France.
Doncis finished with 38 points (19-20 from the free throw line), eight rebounds, and nine assists, but shot just 4-11 in the second half.
France is without Victor Wembenyama and Rudy Gobert, but they still have a lot of NBA power.
Today’s star wasn’t one of the NBA games.
Francisco Sylvain (BC Zalgirls Kaunas) was virtually unstoppable off the bench. Sylvain finished with 32 points, seven rebounds, and five assists before starting a little dust-up by laying the ball up with under two seconds left.
Not only did Sylvain contribute heavily off the bench, but France also got double-figure performances off the bench from Elie Okobo (14 Points) Alexandre Sarr (12 points), and Zaccharie Risacher (12 points).
Slovenia was in control for most of the first half. As a team, they shot 15 free throws in the first quarter, leading France by two.
Down one with 1:20 left, Doncic took over. He hit two free throws to give Slovenia a one-point lead. He followed that up with a three-pointer. On the next possession, he grabbed a defensive rebound and was fouled by Guerschon Yabusele with one second left and France in the penalty.
Yabusele received a technical foul after complaining to the referee.
Doncic hit the technical free throw and his two free throws, closing the half on his own personal 8-0 run, giving Slovenia a 54-47 lead at halftime.
The second half was a different story.
France’s depth began to take center stage.
In the third quarter, France went on a 9-0 run capped by a Risacher three-pointer to give them a 60-59 lead. Slovenia would push the lead back to six, but Sarr’s three-point play and another three-pointer by Risacher tied the game at 68.
Down 72-70 early in the fourth, France went on a 9-2 run, and it looked like they were ready to run away with the game, but Slovenia had another push left in them.
Alen Omic scored, followed by an Edo Murich three-pointer, to tie the game.
After that, France took control.
Okobo had a three-point play. France followed that with a three-pointer by Yabusele and a floater by Okobo to extend their lead to 91-83.
With the game in hand, it appeared that France was going to run out the clock. In fact, as he dribbled the ball, Sylvain shook hands with Doncic, but with one second left, he darted in for a layup.
That caused both teams to push and shove, with a few players coming off the bench to join the fray. The referees reviewed the play and issued technical fouls and ejections.
