Frenchman Nic Batum delivers saving block at Olympics against Slovenia, will play for gold



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France narrowly beat Slovenia in the men’s basketball semifinal at the Tokyo Olympics, 90-89.

Nic Batum played the role of savior in the dying seconds.

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Slovenian Luka Doncic passed the ball to Klemen Prepelic with less than 10 seconds left. Prepelic took the ball in the hoop and thought he had an easy layup until Batum found it in the key and crushed the shot.

The saving bloc was what France needed to hang on to victory.

Nando De Colo led the way for France with 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Evan Fournier, who is expected to sign with the New York Knicks, has 23 points, five rebounds and three assists.

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Batum, who is expected to join the Los Angeles Clippers, had just three points but contributed more in other areas. He had four blocks, including the game saver, and five rebounds.

Slovenia, which won EuroBasket, suffered their first defeat in their last 18 games.

Doncic recorded a triple-double in the loss. He had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 18 assists. Mike Tobey added 23 points and eight rebounds.

The Dallas Mavericks superstar was clearly upset after the game and was seen being consoled by the French players afterwards in a great display of sportsmanship.

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France will face the United States in the men’s gold medal final. Slovenia will face Australia for bronze.

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