Yugoslavia, despite the last-minute pullout by a...

Yugoslavia, despite the last-minute pullout by a key Slovenian player who heeded the call of the secessionist republic, beat France, 97-76, to qualify for the final of the European tournament against Italy in Rome.

Juri Zdovc, a Slovenian guard, did not play, bowing to a request by sports authorities of the secessionist republic.

Toni Kukoc, who turned down an offer from the Chicago Bulls and chose to play in Italy, led Yugoslavia with 22 points. Laker Vlade Divac scored 16 points and had eight rebounds.