Not even the presence of the Philippine president can stop France's onslaught.
The French National team leaned on an efficient second half to turn back gritty host Gilas Pilipinas, 93-84, in Group B of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Manila at the MOA Arena Tuesday night.
European League Most Valuable Player Nando De Colo scored a game-high 27 points, while San Antonio Spurs' star Tony Parker added 21 as the one-two punch of France was too much to handle for the Philippines, which stayed in the game before folding in the stretch.
As a result, world no. 5 France is a step closer to entering the crossover semifinals this weekend.
Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte was in attendance and even had a ceremonial toss prior to the game.
France outscored Smart Gilas Pilipinas, 32-23, in an explosive third quarter to grab a commanding 77-66 lead into the fourth.
Gilas never recovered.
Andray Blatche top-scored for the Philippines with his team-high 21 points, but only had seven in the last three periods after scoring 14 in the opening quarter, which saw the Filipinos zoom to a 30-22 advantage after a hot start.
Gilas Pilipinas wasn't able to sustain its early spurt as France settled down and even took the lead, 45-43, at the half.
Terrence Romeo had 19 points for Gilas Pilipinas.
