France downs defending champion Russia 69-64 at Euro basketball championship

France defeats Russia at Euro basketball worlds

WARSAW, Poland — Ronny Turiaf had a double-double and Tony Parker added 17 points Wednesday to help France to a 69-64 win over defending champion Russia at the European basketball championship.

Golden State Warriors center Turiaf had 18 points and 14 rebounds and Charlotte Bobcats forward Boris Diaw added 19 points. Parker, the San Antonio Spurs point guard, had 23 points in Tuesday’s win against Latvia.

The loss means Russia could be eliminated if Latvia beats Germany in Group B. Undefeated France has already secured a spot in the next round.

Russia has only three players from the team that upset Spain in the 2007 final, missing Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko and J.R. Holden.

In Group C, world champion Spain outlasted Slovenia 90-84 after Slovenia center Erazem Lorbek hit a baseline jumper at the buzzer to force overtime. Both teams finished 2-1 in the group and move into the next round.

Juan Carlos Navarro led the way for Spain with 21 points, while Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez added 19.

In Group A, Croatia advanced with an 81-71 win over Macedonia.

Macedonia, which finished 1-2 in the group, can still advance if undefeated Greece beats winless Israel later Wednesday.