Orlando Magic shooting guard and French international Evan Fournier had to be restrained after picking up his sixth and last foul of the game in a 95-78 loss to Slovenia during Wednesday's run of EuroBasket group play.
The 6-foot-6 Fournier got tangled up defending Slovenia's Kleven Prepelic in the corner, slapping his hand away as the latter initiated contact. Fournier was irate at the call from referee Antonio Conde and had to be held back by teammate Kevin Seraphin, shouting expletives while glaring at the official during his fourth-quarter exit.
France has had a difficult time despite coming out as one of the favorites to win the tournament, losing their opening game against rookie Lauri Markkanen's Finland and barely surviving their prior game against Poland by a mere three points on Tuesday.
Fournier was one of four players in double digits with 11 points, but proved to have the best plus/minus during his 18 minutes on the floor, despite shooting only 3-of-7 from the floor before his early exit.
The French are ranked fourth in FIBA's latest rankings, right behind Serbia, Spain, and Team USA; who is fresh of a gold medal in the AmeriCup tournament that culminated last Sunday. They should get through to the best-of-16 phase right after an undefeated Slovenia, which has proved to be the dark horse of the tournament after sweeping group play.
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