SENDAI, Japan _ Forward Mickael Gelabale scored 14 points Monday to lead France 64-53 over Nigeria in a defense-oriented match at the basketball world championship.

"It was a tough game with a lot of contact," said France coach Claude Bergeaud. "Both defenses produced a lack of offense _ defense was the first intention of both teams."

France, which improved to 2-1, led 33-15 when Mamoutou Diarra, who replaced San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, hit a 3-pointer just ahead of the halftime buzzer.

Nigeria scored 21 points in the third period to pull to within 11 points, but two 3-pointers from Yannick Bokolo early in the fourth period gave France a comfortable 55-40 cushion.

Parker broke his right index finger in a tuneup game against Brazil last week and was forced to pull out of the tournament on Friday.

Nigeria (1-2) opened the tournament with an upset win over defending champion Serbia-Montenegro but was no match for a team that featured five NBA players.

"I thought we played hard, we kept them under 70 points," said Nigeria forward Tunji Awojobi. "But the shots weren't dropping for us. Hopefully they will in the next two games."

France lost to Argentina in its opening game but has now won back-to-back following Sunday's 65-61 win over Serbia-Montenegro.

Phoenix Suns forward Boris Diaw, who scored 20 points in France's 65-61 win over Serbia-Montenegro, saw limited playing time and scored five points in 28 minutes.

Nigeria's remaining Group A games are against Argentina and Lebanon. Argentina defeated Venezuela 96-54 earlier Monday to improve to 3-0 and secure a place in the second round.

France's remaining group games are against Lebanon and Venezuela.