Zaccharie Risacher Helps In a Team Effort Win For France Over Belgium 92-64

Zaccharie Risacher throws down a monster poster dunk in France's win against Belgium (Image via @Eurobasket/X)
​By: Lucas Kochevar

The Hawks young player was on display with France on Thursday against Belgium as he scored 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal in France’s 92-64 win over Belgium. France took control early and held it throughout as Belgium only led for 25 seconds.

France pulled ahead early as Risacher came in with about three minutes left in the first quarter. Risacher had a solid stretch on the floor, but didn’t do much that showed up on the box score. Risacher’s only points of the first half came from an emphatic poster dunk from the baseline. He showed off his strength with that dunk and more interior defense when defenders attempted to post him up. Risacher produced the most during his stretch in the third to fourth quarter as he made two three-pointers during this stretch. 

The difference in the game boiled down to the field goal percentage from two-point range. France shot an astounding 59% inside the arc compared to Belgium’s 39%. The win also came in a true team effort as Bilal Coulibaly and Ellie Okbo led France with 12 points, Guerschon Yabsule scored 11 points and Risacher and Nadir Hifi scored 10 points. Hans Vanwijn for Belgium scored a game-high 13 points. 

The Hawks continue their action with Latvia and Czechia in action again during their group stage play on Friday. France takes on Luka Doncic and Slovenia Saturday at 11 a.m. EST and at the same time, Kristaps Porzingis and Latvia take on Serbia.