This weekend, the City of Nice hosted the tenth edition of the U20 women’s basketball tournament “Laure Ecard”. Four days of competition at the Leyrit hall where France, Australia, Belgium, and Russia competed to win the tournament. Yesterday, in a highly competitive final, France triumphed over Australia (67-57).
France, Australia, Russia, and Belgium. That’s the final ranking of the 10th edition of the LAURE ECARD tournament. Last night’s final between France and Australia marked the end of four days of competition where the largest under-20 nations accepted the invitation. Firstly, the French team of course, Russia (triple reigning champions of the competition), Belgium, and for the first time in this tournament, a team from the Southern Hemisphere. The world’s second basketball nation favorably responded to the organizers’ invitation, Australia.
On paper, the lineup is quite demanding. On the court, too.
3/3 for the Blues
Thus, France wins the 2019 edition of the tournament by defeating the announced favorites, Australia, in the final (67-57). The Blues defeated the Australians thanks to their fast play and especially with two periods where they widened the gap (a staggering 26-1) in the first half and a 13-3 in the second half to lead by 23 points (53-30). The Aussies tried to come back with an 11-0 run against the Blues but couldn’t catch up.
Before this final, the French team achieved a perfect track record. Two games and two victories. The first victory against Belgium (50-41) and the second against the Russians (70-49).
Russia completes the podium
In the small final, it was the Russians who prevailed against the Belgians, who were missing 2 key players retained in another competition. An astonishing match, as after starting the game strong (9-0), Belgium conceded a 3-22 run bringing the score to 12-24 before it even reached 16-34. Belgium would not come back despite a completely chaotic end to the match, with Russia winning 65 to 63.
Scores of the competition
France/ Belgium: 50-41
Australia/ Russia: 81-76
France/ Russia: 70-49
Australia/ Belgium: 59-44
Small final: Russia/ Belgium: 65-63
Final: France/ Australia: 67-57
See you next year for the 11th edition of the Laure Ecard tournament. Until then, it’s important not to forget one thing: The most important thing is to never forget.
