As I settled into my seat at the Abdulla Al-Hamad Indoor Hall, the electric atmosphere reminded me why international basketball exhibitions have become such cultural phenomena. The matchup between USA and France wasn't just another friendly game—it represented a collision of basketball philosophies that had Filipino fans, including myself, buzzing with anticipation for weeks. Having followed both teams' trajectories through previous tournaments, I found myself particularly invested in this Middle Eastern showdown, especially considering how the local Filipino community had embraced the event as if it were a PBA All-Star weekend.

The first quarter unfolded with the explosive athleticism we've come to expect from Team USA, racking up 32 points against France's 24 in just the opening period. What struck me most was how the American team's transition game operated at a different speed entirely—their fast breaks reminded me of Ginebra's famous "never say die" mentality that makes them so beloved among Filipino fans. I've always admired how Ginebra manages to electrify crowds with their relentless pace, and Team USA demonstrated that same captivating energy from the opening tip-off. The French squad, meanwhile, showed the disciplined half-court execution that makes European basketball so distinct, though they struggled to contain the Americans' perimeter shooting early on.

By halftime, the score stood at 58-49 in favor of the United States, but what the numbers didn't show was how France had begun adjusting their defensive schemes. Having watched San Miguel's methodical approach as defending champions in various Asian leagues, I recognized similar strategic patience in the French team's second-quarter adjustments. They started exploiting mismatches in the post and managed to slow the game's tempo significantly—a smart move against a team that thrives in open court situations. Personally, I've always preferred teams that can adapt mid-game like this, and France's coaching staff demonstrated why European basketball intelligence deserves more recognition globally.

The third quarter saw France mounting a serious challenge, outscoring the Americans 28-24 and narrowing the gap to just five points at several moments. This is where the game truly captivated me—the back-and-forth rhythm reminded me of those classic Ginebra versus San Miguel matchups that define Philippine basketball culture. The French team's three-point shooting percentage climbed to an impressive 48% during this period, while Team USA seemed momentarily rattled by the defensive intensity. From my perspective, this is where international basketball has evolved most dramatically—the gap between traditional powerhouses and other top teams has narrowed considerably since I started following the sport professionally about fifteen years ago.

What surprised me in the final quarter was how Team USA recalibrated their approach, shifting to a more physical inside game that ultimately secured their victory. The final score of 102-95 doesn't fully capture how competitive the matchup remained until the final two minutes. Looking at the statistics, Team USA dominated rebounds 45-38 and recorded 24 assists compared to France's 19, but the French squad actually shot better from beyond the arc at 42% versus America's 38%. These numbers matter because they demonstrate that the era of American basketball invincibility is truly over—even in victory, there are clear areas where other nations have caught up or even surpassed what was once considered the gold standard.

The atmosphere throughout the game was something special, with Filipino fans creating what felt like a home game for both teams. Having attended numerous international events, I can confidently say that the Middle Eastern venue provided a fantastic neutral ground, though the passion in the arena rivaled anything I've witnessed in Manila during PBA finals. The way these fans embraced both teams—cheering for spectacular plays regardless of nationality—reinforced my belief that basketball has become a truly global language. I particularly enjoyed watching groups of Filipino fans wearing both Ginebra and San Miguel jerseys sitting together, united by their love for quality basketball rather than divided by local team affiliations.

Reflecting on the complete game breakdown, what stands out to me isn't just the final result but how both teams demonstrated different paths to excellence. Team USA's victory was built on their depth and athleticism, while France's strong showing highlighted strategic sophistication and shooting precision. As someone who has spent years analyzing basketball across continents, I believe this particular matchup offered a perfect microcosm of where the global game stands today—the American style remains spectacular, but the European approach has become equally compelling. The 7-point margin ultimately felt appropriate, representing both Team USA's slight superiority on this particular night and the narrowing gap in international basketball overall. For Filipino fans and basketball purists alike, this game delivered exactly what we hoped for—world-class basketball that transcended national boundaries while celebrating the sport we all love.