France U20 Women Overpower Serbia 81-65 in Division A Showdown

In a highly anticipated clash of European powerhouses at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship Division A, France U20 Women asserted their dominance with an 81-65 victory over Serbia U20 Women on July 9, 2026. The French side, known for their deep talent pool and disciplined system, controlled the tempo from start to finish, handing Serbia their first loss of the tournament.

France’s balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the Serbians, who fought valiantly but could never close the gap to single digits in the second half. The win solidifies France’s position among the elite teams vying for the Division A title and a spot in the FIBA U20 Women’s World Cup.

First Quarter Frenzy Sets the Pace

France came out firing, scoring 26 points in the opening period while holding Serbia to just 14. The French guards penetrated the Serbian defense at will, either finishing at the rim or kicking out to open shooters. Serbia struggled to contain the pick-and-roll, allowing France to generate high-percentage looks. Despite a brief Serbian run early in the second quarter that cut the lead to 10, France responded with a 9-0 spurt to take a 45-28 advantage into halftime.

The second half saw Serbia adjust their defense, switching to a zone that briefly slowed France’s rhythm. However, France’s outside shooting — they connected on 8 of 18 three-point attempts for the game — kept the scoreboard ticking. Serbia’s leading scorer, a dynamic forward, poured in 22 points, but she lacked consistent support from her teammates.

Key Moments and Tactical Story

France’s ability to control the defensive glass was a decisive factor. They outrebounded Serbia 42-31, limiting second-chance opportunities and igniting fast breaks. The French coaching staff also made excellent in-game adjustments, switching to a full-court press after Serbia cut the lead to 13 early in the fourth quarter, forcing three consecutive turnovers that killed any comeback hopes.

• Turnover battle: France forced 19 Serbian turnovers while committing only 11, converting those into 24 points.
• Bench production: The French bench outscored Serbia’s reserves 32-14, showcasing their enviable depth.
• Free throw clinic: France shot 87% from the free‑throw line (20-of-23), capitalizing on every foul drawn.

Standout Players for France

France’s point guard was the engine, finishing with 16 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. Her ability to read the defense and make timely passes kept Serbia’s defense off-balance. The French center added a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends. On the wing, a sharpshooter knocked down 4 three‑pointers, finishing with 18 points.

Division A Title Race Heats Up

This result places France in a strong position atop the Division A standings, with a 3-0 record and a growing reputation as the team to beat. Serbia, now 2-1, remains a dangerous opponent but must address their defensive lapses and lack of secondary scoring if they hope to challenge for the championship. Both teams will face stiffer tests in the coming days, but France’s emphatic win sends a clear message: they are ready to reclaim European glory.

The tournament continues with France taking on another top contender, while Serbia looks to bounce back against a lower‑ranked opponent to keep their title hopes alive.