AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - France have survived a scare from Iran to advance to the second round of the FIBA U19 World Championship, recording a hard fought 86-68 victory at ASB Stadium in Auckland.

Iran were determined to make up for their previous day’s loss to Egypt, and stunned Les Bleus in the opening quarter to take a 23-21 lead.

The French turned the defensive screws in the second quarter, holding Iran to 9 points and scoring 20 of their own, Jonathan Bourhis dominant with 13 points for the half.

The Asian champions would not go away easily, and closed to within 10 late in the third quarter after France had opened up a 15-point lead.

Christophe Leanard stepped up after a quiet game as France finished the quarter strongly, and Iran would not get closer than 13 for the rest of the contest.

Leonard finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds to join Johan Jacques (17 points, 12 rebounds), Bourhis (15 points), Nicolas Lang (14) and Alexis Tanghe (10) in double figures. Andrew Albicy recorded 8 points, 6 assists and 4 steals.

Iran were paced by Emad Salmani (25 points, 5 rebounds) and Mohammad Amjad (13 points) and will approach their first classification game against Angola on Monday with confidence.

France finish second in Group B and now face Puerto Rico, Lithuania and Greece in the second round on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

FIBA