France U20 Women Hold Off Israel in Division A Thriller

France’s U20 women’s team opened their FIBA U20 Women's European Championship Division A campaign with a hard-fought 79-66 victory over Israel on July 13, 2026. The match, tipping off at 01:30, saw France overcome a spirited Israeli side that refused to go away. Despite Israel’s resilient efforts, France’s depth and experience proved decisive in the second half, securing an important win in the elite division.

Match Overview

The first half was a tightly contested battle, with Israel matching France basket for basket. Israel’s quick guards created problems for the French defense, and the game was tied at 38-38 heading into the locker room. However, France came out with renewed energy in the third quarter, using a 12-2 run to seize control. Israel fought back within single digits several times in the fourth quarter, but France’s steady free-throw shooting and defensive stops sealed the 79-66 victory.

Key Players and Turning Points

• France’s Balanced Attack: Four French players scored in double figures, led by forward Camille Dupont with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Léa Moreau added 15 points and 7 assists, controlling the tempo.
• Israel’s Star Performance: Israel’s point guard Noa Cohen poured in 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting, keeping her team competitive despite the loss. She also dished out 5 assists but had 6 turnovers, partly due to France’s second-half defensive adjustments.
• Second-Half Surge: The decisive stretch came midway through the third quarter when France went on a 12-2 run, forcing Israel into contested shots and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. France outscored Israel 23-16 in the third period.

Tactical Story

France employed a switching defense that initially struggled with Israel’s pick-and-rolls. At halftime, the coaching staff instructed the bigs to hedge harder, disrupting Israel’s rhythm. Offensively, France pounded the ball inside, drawing fouls and getting to the line 25 times (making 20). Israel relied heavily on perimeter shooting, hitting 9 three-pointers, but their lack of interior scoring allowed France to protect the paint. The rebounding battle also tilted France’s way 42-32, with eight offensive boards leading to crucial second-chance points.

Impact on Division A Standings

France’s victory puts them in a strong early position in the ultra-competitive Division A, which features perennial powerhouses. Israel, despite the loss, showed they can compete with top-tier teams, but will need to reduce turnovers (18 total) and get more contributions from their supporting cast. The result sets up a potential showdown between France and another favorite later in the tournament.

The FIBA U20 Women's European Championship Division A continues with pool play, and both France and Israel will be eager to build on their performances—France aiming for a title run, Israel hoping to upset higher-ranked opponents.