KUNSHAN, China _ Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns scored 15 points to help power France to a 86-74 victory over Brazil in a world championships warm-up on Tuesday.

The Phoenix Suns' Leandro Barbosa scored a game-high 29 points for Brazil, but weak rebounding and a foot injury picked up by Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Verejao left them unable to overcome a third-quarter deficit.

"We played really well. Brazil is tough competition, so this is great for our focus and confidence which is what we need going to Japan," San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker said.

With the game tied 48-48 at halftime, France pulled away in the third quarter, stretching its lead to 13 points on the back of Parker's penetrating runs and solid shooting from Diaw and Real Madrid's Mickael Gelabale. France ended the quarter ahead 74-61 and Brazil never again came closer than 10 points.

"Against a very good team such as France, it's not easy getting the game back," said Brazilian forward Marcelo Machado, who had eight points and one rebound.

Gelabale, Laurent Foirest and Florent Pietrus all added 11 points.

Brazil were out-rebounded by France 35-27 while the tough French defense anchored by Los Angeles Lakers center Ronny Turiaf shut down the Brazilian fast break.

France's coach Claude Bergeaud said a strategy of spreading around the shooting opportunities had paid off.

"We wanted everyone to get a touch and create dangerous situations on the court," Bergeaud said.

Brazil coach Xavier Ferreira said the result was the worst for his side in 10 preparation games.

"We just weren't very good especially when more physicality was needed, while France had an excellent game," Ferreira said.

The win improves France's record in this year's Stankovic Cup to two wins and one loss, after earlier defeating European champion Greece and going down to Australia 77-71.

Brazil had earlier downed hosts China 88-78 and lost narrowly to Dirk Nowitzki and Germany 76-75.

Brazil plays Australia in their World Championship Group C opener on Saturday in Japan, while France faces Argentina in Group A.