CAN/FRA - France top Canada again; Noah close to return

TOULOUSE (FIBA Americas Championship | EuroBasket) - Canada looked much improved but still came up short in an 86-69 friendly defeat to France in Toulouse.

Playing for a second consecutive night, Canada were significantly improved from their performance in Pau, where they lost 106-44, having trailed 57-17 at half-time.

This time, the game stayed close for three quarters until the hosts began to pull clear at the end.

We knew it would be tougher," said France's Nicolas Batum. "They were not at their best yesterday. We were not as tough in the first half, but got better in the second."

Tony Parker had 16 points for France while Batum added 15.

For Canada, Andy Rautins scored 18 and Jevohn Shepherd scored 15.

Canada now move on to Italy to play Bulgaria and their hosts as they prepare for the FIBA Americas Tournament.

France's preparations for the EuroBasket continue to be dominated by injury news. There was positive news on Joakim Noah, who has come through the first phase of his rehab program in Los Angeles and is closer to rejoining the team.

Our goal is for him to be in Pau (on Tuesday)," said team director Patrick Beesley. "But we must wait for the green light from the doctors. We had hoped to have him by August 2. But we are not certain. It might need to be later, depending on the state of his ankle. However, the news was balanced out by confirmation that Fabien Causeur has left the team due to an inflammation problem.

Tests found there was nothing too series, but the staff have still decided to protect the player and not to jeopardise his health," Beesley added. No replacement has been named at present.

The French are also waiting to see if Florent Pietrus suffered any lasting damage when he appeared to turn an ankle early on against Canada.

FIBA