MANILA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) – Tony Parker’s France had to withstand a fiery start from Jayson Castro’s Philippines before notching their first win, 93-84, in the opening Group B game at the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.

Turning Point: San Antonio Spur Tony Parker bookended a 9-2 French run with a three-pointer that cut what was once a 10-point deficit to just one, 41-40, with 2:11 to go in the second quarter. That basket seemed to light a fire in the French, who went on to end the first half strong, gaining a 45-43 edge that they would never relinquish. Philippines continued to stick close, but France just wouldn’t be denied.

Stats Don't Lie: Philippine started scorching hot in this game, shooting 50% in the first quarter, but they cooled off even as France heated up through the rest of the game. In the end, coach Vincent Collet’s squad made 54% of their field goals, while Gilas Pilipinas’s shooting efficiency dropped to 41%. It also helped that France used better ball movement, which resulted in an 18-11 edge in assists.

Game Hero: Nando De Colo stamped his class in this game. The Euroleague MVP unloaded 27 points on 9-of-14 field goal shooting to lead Les Bleus. He also padded his line with 6 rebounds, 3 steals and a flawless 7-of-7 shooting from the free throw line. He scored 11 points in the third period alone, where the French put some distance between themselves and the Filipinos.

The Bottom Line: France rest on Wednesday, but they should bring return brimming with confidence in their next match, which is against New Zealand. Tony Parker and Nando De Colo will certainly be marked men in that encounter. The Philippines, meanwhile, should remain with heads held high as they put a scare in much higher ranked France, and they should ride the crest of that wave against the Tall Blacks on Day 2.

FIBA