The Eurobasket’s path to the 2025 tournament just threw up an unbelievable shocker. Spain, the reigning champions, are out. Their journey ended on Thursday, marking their worst-ever performance in tournament history. They fell 90-86 to Greece. But the knockout blow came earlier, when Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Georgia.
Heading into the final group stage day, Spain needed a win. Or, they hoped Georgia would beat Bosnia-Herzegovina. Neither happened. Greece and Bosnia claimed their victories. This exit is a big deal. Spain had been on the podium seven times in a row. They won titles in 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2012. Since 1981, they always made the top six, a streak of 20 tournaments. Their previous low was 15th place way back in 1959.
Coach Sergio Scariolo’s team finished a disappointing fifth in Group C. Greece topped the group with nine points, tied with Italy. Bosnia-Herzegovina had eight points. Georgia and Spain both ended with seven. But Georgia advanced thanks to a head-to-head win, 83-69.
Greece was powered by a returning Giannis Antetokounmpo. He piled up 25 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. Tyler Dorsey added a crucial 22 points. Spain trailed by 15 points at halftime. They fought hard in the second half but couldn’t close it out. Youngsters Mario Saint-Supery, with 13 points, and Sergio De Larrea, who had six points and six assists, stood out for them.
Earlier, Bosnia-Herzegovina sealed Georgia’s fate. Jusuf Nurkic led the way with 15 points and 12 rebounds. John Robinson chipped in with 15 points and five assists, while Edin Atic had 11 points and eight assists. Alexander Mamukelashvili tried his best for Georgia with 20 points. In another Group C game, Italy had an easy time against co-host Cyprus, winning 89-54. Cyprus finished with five losses. Matteo Spagnolo shined for Italy, grabbing 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Doncic’s Dazzling Display
Meanwhile, in Group D, one player continued to steal the show. Luka Doncic once again carried Slovenia, leading them to their third win against Israel. Doncic put on a scoring clinic, netting 37 points. He shot 11 of 21 from the field. He also added 11 rebounds, nine assists, and three steals in just over 33 minutes on the court. The Los Angeles Lakers guard faced off against Israel’s Deni Avdija, a forward for the Portland Trail Blazers. Avdija had a strong game himself with 34 points and nine rebounds.
Elsewhere, co-host Poland lost to an already eliminated Belgium, 70-69. This loss didn’t hurt Poland’s chances. Emmanuele Lecomte led Belgium with 19 points, and Hans Vanwun added 10 points and seven rebounds. The other Group D match was a blowout. France crushed Iceland by 40 points, winning 114-74. Eight different French players scored ten points or more. Zaccharie Risacher contributed 15 points and seven rebounds.
Looking at the final Group D standings, France finished first with nine points. Poland, Slovenia, and Israel all ended up with eight points, qualifying for the next round. Belgium, with seven points, and Iceland, are out of Eurobasket 2025.
The Knockout Stage is Set
After a day of rest, the knockout stage begins on Saturday. The first round of 16 games includes Turkey versus Sweden, Germany against Portugal, Lithuania playing Latvia, and Serbia facing Finland. Sunday will see Greece battle Israel, France take on Georgia, Italy meet Slovenia, and Poland challenge Bosnia-Herzegovina. Get ready for some thrilling basketball!