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NOVI SAD (FIBA U19 World Championship) - USA battled their way to an 87-82 victory over a resilient France to secure top spot in Group E of the FIBA U19 World Championship with a perfect 6-0 record.

A 22-point haul from Edwin Jackson kept France in the hunt for most of the game, but Jonny Flynn (18 points), Michael Beasley (17) and Patrick Beverley (15) ensured Jerry Wainwright's USA side were always one step ahead of their opponents.

Both teams started the clash in impressive fashion, matching score-for-score until one minute before the buzzer when France took the initiative and gained a narrow 19-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

USA shot out of the blocks at the start of the second period and a well-taken three-pointer from Tajuan Porter levelled the game at 22-22.

The momentum seemed to rally Wainwright's side as they converted some well-rehearsed plays to enter the half-time period with a four-point lead (39-35).

Yet the third period continued in the same fashion as the game had started, with France hauling back the advantage and matching the USA point-for-point.

However, it did not last long as a five-point haul from Flynn helped the Group E favourites open up a 10-point lead going into the final quarter.

And the USA were keen to hang on to their unbeaten record as a free-scoring last 10 minutes from both sides reduced their winning margin to a mere five points.

Drew Williams
FIBA