France's Tony Parker and Spain's Pau Gasol will lead their respective teams' bids in the semis of the 2015 EuroBasket. (Photo : Reuters)
The much-awaited semi-final showdown between former EuroBasket winners Spain and defending champions France is arranged at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, France on Thursday, September 17.
Spain survived the tough challenge of the gutsy Greece squad, 73-71, during their quarterfinal meeting on Tuesday to set up the highly-anticipated 2013 semis rematch.
Pau Gasol led the Spaniards with 27 points, nine boards, and three dimes while Chicago Bulls teammate Nikola Mirotić backed him up with 18 points, as per Sportando. Substitute point guard Sergio Rodriguez contributed 10 points and five assists.
France subdued Latvia, 84-70, in the first quarterfinal match as Tony Parker led his team to the final four for the third straight EuroBasket tournament.
The San Antonio Spurs floor general fired nine consecutive points before halftime to lead France's breakaway in the third canto as the champs cruised to the win, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Parker finished with 18 points and six assists while Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had 13 points and six rebounds.
Spain captured the EuroBasket title in 2011 when they defeated France in the final, 98-85. France returned the favor in 2013 when they trounced the Spanish five in the semis, 75-72, in overtime to eventually win the crown over Lithuania.
France is favored to win this year's clash against the Spaniards as most of the notable Spain internationals did not participate in this year's tournament, such as Pau's brother Marc, Minnesota Timberwolves playmaker Ricky Rubio, and New York Knicks point guard Jose Calderon.
Prediction: France wins, 85-81
Spain starting five: Pau Gasol (C), Nikola Mirotić (PF), Fernando San Emeterio (SF), Pau Ribas (SG), Sergio Llull (PG)
France starting five: Rudy Gobert (C), Boris Diaw (PF), Nicolas Batum (SF), Nando De Colo (SG), Tony Parker (PG)
