SIAULIAI (Lithuania), Sept 3: Dark horse France made it three straight wins after an effervescent performance by point guard Tony Parker lifted them to a 76-65 victory over Germany at the European basketball championships on Friday.

Serbia also maintained a perfect record with an 89-80 defeat of Israel while former European champions Italy kept alive their hopes of reaching the second stage after centre Andrea Bargnani inspired a 71-62 win over Latvia.

Hosts and 2003 winners Lithuania won a see-saw battle against Turkey 75-68 in Group A, where holders Spain cruised to an 86-69 win over Britain.

Germany forward Dirk Nowitzki, who led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2011 NBA title, drew first blood in his personal battle against Parker in the Group B game, scoring seven of his team’s first nine points to give them an early 11-6 lead.—Reuters