France edges Lithuania to win bronze at FIBA WC

France came from behind in the final quarter to overcome Jonas Valanciunas' 25 points and beat Lithuania 95-93 and win the bronze medal at the Basketball World Cup on Saturday (Andres Kudacki/AP)

MADRID, Spain — France came from behind in the final quarter to beat Lithuania 95-93 and win the bronze medal at the Basketball World Cup on Saturday.

Lithuania led by seven points entering the fourth period, and centre Jonas Valanciunas scored five points to put Lithuania ahead by three points with three minutes to play.

But Boris Diaw drove twice to score contested lay-ups as France went ahead and held on.

The final minute became a parade of both teams exchanging free throw attempts, but France’s shooters didn’t waver.

Nicolas Batum led France with a game-high 27 points, while Diaw added 15.

Valanciunas paced Lithuania with 25 points to go with nine rebounds.

The United States plays Serbia on Sunday in the final.

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