by FFE Sports News staff

Even before the game finished with a 3-point buzzer beater, France already knew it won.

France beats Lithuania to bag the EurBasket2013 championship title. Photo source: AP.

France beat Lithuania 80-66 on Sunday in its first ever European championship. Lithuania couldn’t outmatch the French team that played a fiery 14-0 in the third quarter, breaking open a close game. The French lead then grew to 22 points which Lithuania never matched.

French guard Antoine Diot shot the 3-point buzzer with 0.9 seconds left. Referees had to review the video to make sure he beat the clock.

France won its first EuroBasket championship after years of frustrating close calls. It lost the finals to Spain two years ago and landed bronze in 2005. After the game, Parker led the team to the stands to celebrate with France’s supporters.

Nicholas Batum scored 17 points and Boris Diaw 15 points. Lithuania’s Linas Kleiza meanwhile scored 20. Tony Parker played a quiet game, finishing with 12 points. However, he grabbed the tournament MVP award for his leadership and scoring during the final run – including a 32-point contribution in France’s game against defending champ Spain.

Spain beat Croatia 92-66 to capture the bronze.