Day 8 of EuroBasket served up a full platter of high-stakes basketball, where momentum swung like a pendulum and no lead felt safe. From tightly contested finishes to breakout performances, teams leaned on star power and collective grit in equal measure. Great Britain stunned Montenegro with relentless pressure and transition scoring, Portugal showed unyielding depth after losing their anchor and Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, and Turkey each flexed a mix of tactical discipline and individual brilliance to close out group play with statement victories. Across the board, turnovers, transition points and clutch execution proved decisive, reminding everyone why every possession matters when the stakes are this high.

Great Britain 89, Montenegro 83

Montenegro opened with different looks to get Nikola Vucevic involved, diamond sets, elbow brush screens into post touches, but GB were ready with hard doubles as soon as he put the ball on the floor. From the start, GB’s identity was clear: relentless ball pressure, forcing switches, and attacking mismatches. They crashed the offensive glass relentlessly and picked up their defensive intensity even more after dead balls. Late in the first, they even dropped into a 1-2-2 press, forcing back-to-back turnovers.

Montenegro shot the ball brilliantly early (77% FG in the first quarter) but couldn’t withstand the pressure, eight turnovers in that span alone, which GB punished with eight fast-break points. End of one, Montenegro led narrowly 26–25.

GB’s start to the second quarter showed their control, holding Montenegro to just one FGA over nearly two minutes. Montenegro tried to adjust by using more pick-and-pop with Vucevic facing the basket to reduce the doubles, but when he sat, their offense collapsed, just three points in almost four minutes. Without ball movement, they relied almost entirely on his gravity. Meanwhile, GB’s execution stood out, sharp ATOs, baseline out-of-bounds plays, and targeted coverage like forcing Allman left in pick-and-roll. By halftime, GB were up 48–42 with a 28–20 edge in points in the paint and a huge turnover advantage.

The third quarter followed the same pattern: Montenegro bleeding possessions (15 turnovers by the 4-minute mark), GB running the floor, and Vucevic the only real source of resistance (10 points in the quarter). On the perimeter, Montenegro repeatedly failed to track GB’s shooters, Akwasi Yeboah came off staggers untouched, while Jelani Watson-Gayle was given clean looks as defenders ducked under (he hit 3-of-4 from deep).

By the fourth, Montenegro had little beyond Vucevic. Allman offered just five second-half points without creation or rim pressure. GB kept finding ways, Myles Hesson (25 points) punished them out of a flare action miscommunication for an open dunk, then later hit a three off a Spanish pick-and-roll where Montenegro again broke down. Even when Montenegro briefly flipped the lead with back-to-back threes under two minutes left, GB responded, and ultimately Montenegro’s defense gave way.

The numbers told the story: 18 turnovers conceded, Simonovic misfiring at 14% from the field when they badly needed a third scorer, and too many second chances gifted to GB’s big, physical front line. On the other side, Hesson and Yeboah combined for 48 points, GB outscored them 20–3 in transition, and they simply had more bodies to throw at Vucevic.

Vucevic, who posted 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in his farewell tournament, did everything he could, but it wasn’t enough. Montenegro’s defensive breakdowns and lack of support left them undone, while GB celebrated their first EuroBasket win since 2013, falling short of advancing but closing their campaign on a proud note.

 

Portugal 68, Estonia 65

Early in the game, Portugal looked like a team trapped by its own limitations. With no real playmaking threats, they struggled badly against Estonia’s aggressive defense. Every look was hard-earned, every possession a grind, and the ball often stuck in place with little movement off it. Defensively, Portugal were also too passive early, just five fouls in the first half, allowing Estonia to run their offense with patience and composure, finding cleaner shots than Portugal could generate.

The second half flipped the script. Neemias Queta and Miguel Queiroz began to impose themselves, sparking a Portuguese surge, only for disaster to hit when Queta picked up two technicals and was ejected. At that point, it looked like the fight would drain out of them. Estonia capitalized, reclaiming the lead with a run built on Artur Konontsuk’s shot-making.

Instead, Portugal responded with the kind of resilience that defined their group stage. One by one, different names stepped into the void: Daniel Relvão’s interior presence, Diogo Gameiro’s poise, Travante Williams’ intensity and then Rafael Lisboa seizing the moment. Lisboa, tied the game with a deep three in the final minute, then calmly knocked down four free throws to ice it.

What began as a one-superstar team turned into a collective. Queta’s absence for most of the second half forced Portugal to find other ways and they did. Their pressure generated turnovers (19–7 edge in points off giveaways) and late in the game, they finally turned that defense into confidence. Lisboa’s closing stretch will go down as one of the landmark moments in Portuguese basketball history, delivering the victory that sends them to the Round of 16 for the first time ever.

Estonia, for their part, kept it close until the final buzzer, but 17 turnovers and a lack of steady playmaking in crunch time undid them. Konontsuk’s burst nearly carried them through, but Kristian Kullamäe’s halfcourt heave at the horn rimmed out, leaving Estonia and their passionate fans heartbroken.

For Portugal, this was about more than one game. It was proof of growth, proof of depth and proof that they can win even when stripped of their NBA anchor. In those final 15 minutes, they looked like a team full of heroes, and they earned their place among Europe’s top sixteen.

 

Lithuania 74, Sweden 71

Lithuania pressed full court from the opening tip, but their offense sputtered badly out of the gate. Jonas Valančiūnas was used early as a dribble-handoff hub at the top, yet the ball stalled far too often and they struggled to create any advantages. They managed just 14 points in the first quarter with 8 turnovers, while Sweden moved the ball with pace and precision. Pelle Larsson in particular thrived when run off the line, attacking closeouts and making smart decisions. Sweden’s strong execution carried them to a 21–14 lead after ten minutes and they would extend it to 12 midway through the second.

Lithuania turned back to Valančiūnas to steady themselves, pounding the glass for extra possessions and looking more to him in the post. Still, the offense remained uneven, with no three-pointers in the half and little playmaking after Normantas left injured in the opening quarter. Sweden’s patient offense kept them in front, 39–33 at the break.

The second half opened with a different Lithuanian team, quicker ball movement, higher tempo, and their first made three sparked an 11–4 surge. With Valančiūnas anchoring inside, they briefly grabbed the lead, only for Sweden to claw back when JV rested, closing the third at 54–53.

Sweden opened the fourth with sharp guard–guard and wing–guard ghost screens that created mismatches and space. Lithuania countered by leaning even harder on their center, Valančiūnas reasserting himself on both ends. Interestingly, the coaching staff managed his minutes on a “handball-style” offense–defense rotation late, subbing him in only for halfcourt possessions. The game came down to free throws: Sargiūnas split at the line to leave the door open, but Sweden couldn’t capitalize, their sideline out-of-bounds play resulting in a heavily contested Larsson three that missed at the buzzer.

Lithuania’s interior dominance told the story: 42 points in the paint, 11 offensive rebounds leading to 12 second-chance points, and Valančiūnas finishing with 18 and 9. They still struggled from deep (11%), but four players reached double figures to balance the attack. Sweden, led by Larsson’s 18, executed well but were undone by poor free-throw shooting (8-for-15) and couldn’t quite convert their early control into a statement win.

For Lithuania, it was a gritty comeback that showed both their flaws and their resilience, far from their most polished performance, but enough to carry momentum into the Round of 16.

 

Latvia 109, Czechia 75

Latvia wasted no time setting the tone, they wanted to run. Davis Bertans had four quick points in transition, then knocked down a three as both teams traded long-range shots in a frantic opening. Latvia hit their first four triples in as many minutes (two apiece from the Bertans brothers), surging ahead 16–9. On the other end, they put Davis Bertans on Vit Krejčí to use size and take him out of rhythm. Czechia steadied things with sharp off-ball movement and 9-of-11 shooting inside the arc, cutting into the gap while Kristaps Porziņģis rested. Still, Zagars’ entry gave Latvia a jolt, sparking consecutive threes through pure ball movement to close the first up 30–24.

In the second quarter, Rolands Smits showcased his mobility, exploiting gaps against slower-footed centers. When Porziņģis returned, his gravity transformed the offense, whether as a scorer (including a near-logo three and strong drive) or passer (a perfectly timed backscreen cut assist from the post). Czechia kept scrapping on the glass, but Porziņģis anchoring both ends pushed Latvia ahead by double digits. At halftime it was 58–44, Latvia blending interior scoring and outside shooting in near-perfect balance.

By the third, that balance tilted into dominance. Latvia already had 30 points in the paint midway through the quarter, then ripped off a 10–2 run that ballooned the lead beyond 20. Davis Bertans was on fire again during this stretch, and with Latvia flying up and down the floor, Czechia simply couldn’t keep pace. By late in the period, it was 81–53, the home side piling up transition buckets and assisted threes.

The fourth was academic, Latvia’s ball movement overwhelmed Czechia, finishing with 31 assists on the night, 10 from Rihards Lomažs. They also contained Vit effectively (4-of-11 FG), while Czechia’s lone bright spot was Martin Peterka drilling threes off stagger screens (3-of-3). The visitors lacked creators and Latvia’s defensive intensity plus shot-making buried them.

Statistically, Latvia’s inside-out balance jumped off the page: 13-of-27 from three, 53% shooting overall, and 42 points in the paint. Five players reached double figures, led by Davis Bertans (20), Kristaps Porziņģis (16), Dairis Bertans (20) and Roland Smits (16). The 109-point tally tied Latvia’s all-time EuroBasket scoring record and with the game long out of reach, the bench finished things off in comfort.

A statement performance that reminded everyone how lethal Latvia’s mix of pace, spacing and movement can be when everything clicks.

 

Germany 91, Finland 61

From the opening tip Germany set the tone with intensity, jumping out 14–6 in the first four minutes by forcing turnovers and running in transition. Franz Wagner matched up with Lauri Markkanen, while Dennis Schröder and Andreas Obst chased Maxhuni to limit Finland’s primary initiator. Finland struggled early (3–12 FG), relying heavily on Lauri to push the pace downhill and draw fouls. A couple of threes brought them within two, but their second unit was the one that steadied them, turning German mistakes into seven points off turnovers in the first quarter. Still, Germany led narrowly after one despite six turnovers of their own.

In the second, Isaac Bonga and Franz Wagner smothered Markkanen, forcing him into tough looks and limiting his touches, while Schröder and Theis built rhythm in pick-and-roll. That connection sparked an 11-point German lead midway through, even as Theis sat with foul trouble. Finland experimented with Lauri at the three to close the gap, but their defensive pressure faded, and Germany closed the half on top 50–36, dominating the paint (18 points inside) and flipping the tempo of the game.

After halftime Bonga’s defense on Lauri again stood out, denying him post position, reading every pop-out, even picking off passes. Finland couldn’t generate alternative offense, starting 2–8 in the quarter, and though they briefly held Germany scoreless for three minutes, they never capitalized. Olivier Nkamhoua fought hardest for the hosts with activity on the glass, but Finland’s poor shot selection (5–25 from three by the end of the third) and mounting turnovers kept the gap growing. A long touchdown pass from Theis to Schröder after a made free throw summed up Finland’s lapses. By the end of the third, Germany led 69–49.

The fourth quarter was one-way traffic. With Markkanen on the bench and Finland already out of answers, Germany stretched the margin past 30. They took Maxhuni out of the game from the start, neutralized Lauri with disciplined coverage and punished every careless turnover (22 total). Even Finland’s 24 offensive rebounds never translated into second-chance scoring.

Franz Wagner’s 23 points in just 20 minutes, plus Schröder’s control in the pick-and-roll, underlined Germany’s balance. They won every quarter, defended at a high level, and closed group play with another emphatic win, showing how hard it is to crack their defense when they stay locked in

 

Turkey 95, Serbia 90

Serbia opened strong, carving up Turkey’s defense for easy looks at the rim and jumping out 9–3. Ergin Ataman burned an early timeout, and Turkey immediately responded, Sengun anchoring the offense and hot perimeter shooting (4/8 from deep) fueling a 19–11 turnaround. The first quarter closed with Serbia regrouping, but Turkey clung to a 19–18 edge behind Sengun’s 10 points.

The second quarter was a trading of punches. Turkey kept knocking down threes, 9/16 at the break, far outpacing Serbia’s 6/16, but Serbia controlled the paint, 24–14 inside scoring, leaning on Jokic’s craft to keep the scoreboard moving. By halftime, Serbia held a slim 49–46 lead despite the shooting gap. Jokic had a steady 8/6/2, Sengun nearly matching him with a 12/8/7 line, showcasing the duel that defined the night.

In the third, Shane Larkin kept performing at a high level and was an even harder matchup for Serbia with Avramovic sidelined after leaving the game late in the second quarter. His speed and playmaking broke Serbia’s rhythm, helping Turkey edge ahead 74–73 entering the fourth. Serbia countered by shuffling matchups, Dobric, then Nikola Jovic, to try to disrupt Larkin’s flow, but Turkey kept pace. Jokic’s blend of skill and size gave Serbia hope late, yet Sengun’s versatility, stepping out to the arc, rolling hard, and facilitating, proved decisive.

The final minute was all about composure. Down 90–89, Sengun calmly sank two free throws to swing the lead. On the next trip, he hedged a pick-and-roll perfectly, poking the ball free to set up Larkin, who added two more at the line. With Serbia needing a three, Jokic’s attempt rimmed out, and Sengun sealed it with another pair of free throws, capping a statement win for Turkey. Serbia allowed too many offensive rebounds down the stretch. The Milutinov–Jokic pairing proved ineffective at controlling the glass, protecting the rim, and especially handling Turkey’s mobility.

Sengun finished with a brilliant 28/13/8, outdueling Jokic (22/9/4) on the stat sheet and, more importantly, on the scoreboard. Turkey’s blistering 58% from deep and 27 assists highlighted their offensive sharpness, while Sengun’s clutch plays in the last minute delivered the signature victory of their group stage.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

Welcome to our daily recap of the EuroBasket tournament! The seventh day of the competition was packed with thrilling action, as teams battled for crucial wins and spots in the knockout stage. We saw incredible comebacks, dominant performances from some of the biggest stars and nail-biting finishes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

From Luka Dončić and Slovenia surviving a scare against Iceland, to Italy pulling off a win over the defending champions Spain, the intensity was off the charts. Read on as we break down all the key matchups and what they mean for the tournament standings.

Israel 92, Belgium 89

Israel punched their ticket to the Round of 16 with a 92–89 win over Belgium, a game that showcased both their early dominance and their late-game struggles to close.

From the outset, Belgium set a physical tone, committing two off-ball fouls in the opening minute. Israel answered with structure: switching 2–4, going under on 1–5 actions, and feeding Roman Sorkin inside, who scored 10 points in just over five minutes. Their offense was sharp and unselfish, racking up eight assists in the first quarter, while an inverted pick-and-roll freed Deni Avdija to attack smaller guards. Still, Belgium’s aggression kept it close, leading 25–23 after one despite Israel’s 18–4 edge in points in the paint.

The second quarter tilted decisively Israel’s way. Belgium tried to push pace after a timeout but couldn’t buy a basket, while Israel responded with a 12–0 run to stretch the lead to 18. Avdija thrived as both scorer and playmaker, using his downhill gravity to pick apart the defense, finishing the half with 15 points and three assists. At the break, Israel led 51–36.

The third quarter saw Belgium give themselves second chances on the glass, but Israel’s free-throw pressure kept them in control, already in the bonus midway through the period. Coach Beit-Halahmy also sprinkled in a 2–3 matchup zone, slowing Belgium’s rhythm. By the end of the quarter, Israel was up 71–54.

But the game turned in the fourth. Belgium opened with a 4–0 run, then unleashed a 1-2-2 press after dead balls, hunting switches into Hans Vanwijn to collapse Israel’s defense. Their hot shooting, 13-of-20 in the quarter, sliced the deficit to single digits, forcing Israel into multiple timeouts. Avdija was again the hub, creating downhill, but some missed free throws and poor late-game decisions kept Belgium alive. With 2:23 left, Bar Timor’s three briefly steadied Israel, yet Belgium clawed back to within three in the closing seconds. It took Yam Madar’s composure at the line with four seconds left to finally ice the win.

Avdija led Israel with 22 points, supported by Sorkin’s efficient 18 and a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double from Ginat. Five players hit double figures, a reflection of Israel’s balanced attack. For Belgium, it was also a collective effort, with five double-digit scorers and Vanwijn nearly posting a triple-double (14 points, 11 boards, 9 assists). Belgium shot well from the floor (53% FG, 43% from three) but were undone by free-throw woes at 54%.

Israel’s interior control (44–32 points in the paint) and defensive versatility carried them through, even as they flirted with collapse. The victory not only secures their place in Riga but also shows both their ceiling and their vulnerability when closing out games.

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 80, Greece 77

Bosnia and Herzegovina handed Greece their first loss of the group stage, holding on 80–77 after nearly letting a big second-half lead slip away.

Greece started the game with a clear plan: target Jusuf Nurkić in pick-and-roll. Early hedges and traps forced the Bosnian guards toward halfcourt and with Nurkić dragged into space, Greece closed on him with two or three bodies. On the other end, their ball movement flowed, Papanikolaou scored seven quick points, Mitoglou stretched the floor, and Dorsey hit from deep. A fast 8–2 run had them in control, and they were up by as many as 13 early in the second quarter.

But Bosnia slowly found their rhythm. Nurkić sat late in the first, replaced by Penava, who hit two threes to spark momentum. In the second, Robertson buried a pair of triples during an 18–0 surge that flipped the game. Greece went scoreless for nearly five minutes, struggling to create against Bosnia’s off-ball activity and physicality. The Dragons dominated the glass, 11 rebounds to Greece’s 4 in the quarter and went into halftime up 44–38.

The third quarter belonged to Bosnia again. Even without Nurkić on the floor to start, their size and switching defense rattled Greece into five turnovers in the first five minutes. Transition baskets and inside-out play extended the lead to nine, then 12. Emotions boiled over on the Greek side, their offense bogged down, and Bosnia carried a 61–52 cushion into the fourth.

Bosnia’s inside-out balance continued, with Nurkić punishing mismatches on high-low actions while kick-outs created early threes. Their guards’ length and size kept Greece’s smaller backcourt under pressure. By midway through the quarter, Bosnia was up 14. But fatigue crept in, Nurkic played almost the entire final frame and Greece sensed an opening. Hunting him again in pick-and-roll, Dorsey and Sloukas found easier scores, while defensive pressure forced turnovers and got them out in transition. A couple of threes cut the gap to single digits inside the final three minutes.

Bosnia nearly gave it away with rushed possessions and mistakes, and Greece’s late press made it a one-possession game in the final seconds. But Nurkić’s steady presence and a couple of key stops allowed Bosnia to survive.

Nurkić posted an all-around line, 18 points, 10 rebounds (6 offensive), 3 assists, 3 steals, and a block, while John Roberson matched him with 18, including four triples. Atic added 15 with 8 boards. For Greece, Sloukas led with 15 and 8 assists, and Dorsey chipped in 14, but they couldn’t overcome 17 turnovers and a pounding on the glass (19 Bosnian offensive rebounds).

Bosnia’s 18–0 run in the second quarter defined the game, and while they almost let it slip, they leave with a vital win that keeps their Round of 16 hopes alive.

 

 

Slovenia 87, Iceland 79

Slovenia punched their ticket to the Round of 16, but it was anything but straightforward. Iceland, still winless, pushed them to the edge behind a barrage of fourth-quarter threes before foul trouble and turnovers doomed their upset bid.

Slovenia opened by switching Luka Dončić onto every Tryggvi Hlinason screen. Dončić carried the early offense with drives and free throws, but foul trouble (three in the first quarter) kept him from finding rhythm. Without him, Slovenia struggled to create shots, their poor first-half three-point shooting keeping the game tight. On the other side, Hlinason dominated the glass and paired with Martin Hermannsson to generate fluid off-ball movement and transition points.

When Iceland sat Hlinason, Slovenia’s offense stretched out, finding more threes against a smaller lineup. Still, Iceland’s “big three” of Hermannsson, Fridriksson and Hlinason dictated much of the first half. Slovenia mixed in a Spanish pick-and-roll wrinkle to pull Hlinason away from the rim, giving Dončić lanes, but turnovers and cold shooting let Iceland stay in range. A drawn-up curl for Hermannsson closed the half, with Slovenia only narrowly ahead after Iceland had gone scoreless for three minutes.

The third quarter marked Slovenia’s best stretch. They went under screens to cut off Hlinason’s rolls and attacked Iceland’s smaller guards inside, even running flex actions to post up Dončić. He finally hit his first three midway through the frame, then buried another on the next trip to push Slovenia up double digits. Nikolić chipped in ball-handling support and 13 points through three quarters. By the end of the period, Slovenia led 60–46 after an 8–3 close.

Iceland refused to fold. Pállson sparked them with back-to-back threes, Hermannsson stayed aggressive and Hlinason even acted as a high-post playmaker, hitting cutters for easy scores. An astonishing stretch, six straight triples to start the fourth, cut Slovenia’s lead to just five (70–65). Dončić was forced back on after barely a 30-second rest.

But Iceland couldn’t sustain it. Free throw woes (3-of-8 through nine minutes of the fourth) and rushed threes after their hot run hurt them. Worse, Hlinason fouled out with just over three minutes left, robbing them of their interior anchor. Both sides went small, and Slovenia’s pressure turned the game: 22 points off 18 Iceland turnovers proved decisive. Gregor Hrovat’s corner three in the final minute sealed it.

Dončić wasn’t efficient from deep (2-of-10) but still finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, steadying Slovenia when it mattered. Hermannsson delivered his best of the tournament with 22 and 6 assists, while Hlinason posted 11 and 14 before fouling out.

Slovenia’s defense, late free throws, and turnover conversion outweighed Iceland’s heroic fourth-quarter shooting (7-of-9 from deep in the period). It wasn’t convincing, but Slovenia moves on.

 

Georgia 93, Cyprus 61

Cyprus came out fearless, opening with inverted pick-and-rolls to free Darral Willis Jr. to his left hand and using Gortat screens for Tigkas to attack the paint. Their defensive game plan was clear as well: swarm every Georgia post touch. With the hosts also crashing the glass for five early offensive boards, Georgia looked flat. They settled for jumpers, went just 3-of-13 from three, and attempted only four shots inside the arc in the first quarter. Only Tornike Shengelia brought urgency and after ten minutes it was just 15-13 Georgia.

Tigkas kept finding seams off the dribble while Cyprus even flashed a 2-3 zone, but Georgia finally caught fire late in the second period. A 13-2 run in the final three minutes, fueled by four made threes, completely flipped momentum. Cyprus still held an unlikely 20-4 edge in points in the paint, but Georgia’s outside shooting carried them to a 42-26 halftime lead.

The break saw Georgia reset with far more balance. Shengelia and Goga Bitadze spearheaded a 10-0 burst to open the third, asserting their size and quality inside to push the game out of reach. From there, Georgia’s natural superiority prevailed and the contest lost its tension.

Cyprus battled through Willis Jr. (19 points, 7 rebounds) and Tigkas (11 points), and they worked the offensive glass to the tune of 11 second chances. But Shengelia’s dominance (27 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) and Bitadze’s inside presence (21 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks) overwhelmed them. By the end Georgia had leveled up their paint production (30-28 PiP) and shot the ball efficiently across the floor.

The win brings Georgia to 2-2 in Group C, setting up a decisive clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the Round of 16, while Cyprus drop to 0-4 and remain winless at EuroBasket.

 

Italy 67, Spain 63

The game could hardly have started worse for Italy. They went scoreless for the first 7:33 while Spain raced out to a 13-0 lead. Italy’s body language reflected the struggle, Simone Fontecchio missed his first three looks and drifted out of the game, while Melli wasn’t able to steady things either. Even though Italy generated some decent shots, nothing was falling.

The turning point came with Saliou Niang’s introduction. His energy completely changed the tone, sparking Italy’s run to tie the game. Every time he was on the floor, Italy looked sharper and more connected. Every time he sat, the offense faltered. At halftime Spain still held a 36-30 lead, but the balance of play was shifting.

A technical foul on Coach Pozzecco in the third quarter gave Spain a brief boost, stretching the lead to 40-32. But Italy responded with heart, closing the frame on a 17-7 run to grab their first lead of the night at 49-47. From there it was a fight.

The fourth quarter was all about effort and physicality. Spain had been allowed to get away with some bumps early, but Italy adjusted and met the challenge. Niang, though, had to leave with an ankle issue and his absence was noticeable down the stretch. Still, others stepped forward: Spissu and Ricci delivered at the free throw line, and Italy’s grit on both ends carried them through.

With under a minute left Spain edged ahead 63-62, but Spissu calmly answered with two free throws and added two more in the final seconds followed by Ricci going 1/2 from the line to seal it. Italy’s 14-of-19 from the stripe (74%) proved decisive compared to Spain’s 13-of-22 (59%).

Spain got a big game from Santi Aldama (19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists) and Sergio De Larrea (15 points, 7 rebounds), but they never fully recovered from their offensive stagnation. Italy, meanwhile, saw Niang post a double-double in just 15 minutes (10 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks) before his injury, while Mouhamet Diouf gave key production off the bench (14 points, 8 rebounds in 19 minutes).

In the end, Italy’s resilience and defense held Spain to just 32% shooting, sealing a win that books their Round of 16 place with a statement performance against the reigning champions.

 

France 83, Poland 76

France came in with clear intent, opening with full-court pressure to wear down Poland’s ball-handlers and deny Jordan Loyd clean touches. Poland countered by running Ponitka through inside actions against Bilal Coulibaly and freeing Loyd off stagger screens. Early on, France’s energy created stops and buckets (5-of-7 to start), but foul trouble slowed their momentum. Poland stayed afloat by hitting their first three triples and punishing France’s slow rotations off a double-screen set at the top of the key.

The first half was a grind. France went three minutes without scoring late in the first, while Poland mixed in some zone that briefly disrupted the rhythm, France’s first attack against it was a turnover, echoing their struggles versus Israel. Even so, France’s size and switching on defense were problems for Poland, and their three-big lineup (Hoard–Risacher–Yabusele) gave them control inside, with 18 of their first 32 points coming in the paint. Still, with France ice cold from three (4-for-16), Poland used a Loyd–Ponitka burst to edge in front at the break, 44-41.

France opened the second half flat again, going nearly four minutes without a point, and Poland extended the margin. But that proved their last stretch of control. Yabusele caught fire, drilling from deep and bullying mismatches, while France dominated the glass. His run flipped the game, 4-of-6 from the field in the third, including two threes, as Poland went scoreless for four minutes and saw their own perimeter shooting crater (1-for-6 from deep in the quarter). France surged ahead 60-55 by the end of the third.

The captain wasn’t done. Yabusele hit back-to-back threes to open the fourth, giving France their largest cushion. Poland hung around through free throws, Balcerowski drew contact repeatedly, helped by an unsportsmanlike foul on TLC and by mid-quarter France were already in the penalty. But every time Poland closed the gap, France’s defense forced turnovers or second-chance scores off the offensive glass. With Poland within four inside the final two minutes, it was Elie Okobo’s step-back dagger that finally sealed it.

Yabusele finished with a career-high 36 points (6-of-12 from three), tying Tony Parker and Hervé Dubuisson for the third-highest single-game mark by a Frenchman at EuroBasket. France’s rebounding (22 offensive boards, 19 second-chance points) and superior depth eventually wore down Poland, who couldn’t overcome foul trouble, turnovers, and a dry spell from deep after their hot start.

France move to 3-1, bouncing back from their slip against Israel, while Poland suffer their first loss despite a raucous home crowd. In the end, Yabusele’s brilliance and France’s athleticism were simply too much.

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

EuroBasket Day 6 served up the kind of chaos and clarity that only international basketball can provide. Records were broken, Knockout stage hopes were kept alive and the physical toll on rosters became impossible to ignore. Between clutch finishes, historic scoring outputs and mounting injury concerns, the tournament is starting to feel like a pressure cooker where every possession carries consequences and every missed shot or turnover can ripple through a team’s entire path to the Round of 16.

What’s striking about the latest slate of games is how style and strategy collided with circumstance. Teams leaned on pace, precision, and high-level execution, yet injuries and personnel limitations increasingly shaped outcomes. You could see it in the way a single player’s health, or lack thereof, shifted rotations, altered defensive schemes and forced others into roles they weren’t fully prepared for. EuroBasket is no longer just about talent; it’s about resilience, depth and timing and Day 6 offered a crystal-clear reminder of just how fragile and thrilling this tournament has become.

Montenegro 87, Sweden 81

Montenegro set the tone early with engaged defense, forcing four Sweden turnovers in the opening quarter. Nikola Vucevic came ready, scoring 7 points and grabbing 3 rebounds in the first 10 minutes, while Montenegro as a team hit the offensive glass hard with 4 boards. Still, Sweden stayed close, sparking their defense late in the quarter and running in transition for 7 fast break points. Montenegro led 18-15 after one.

Montenegro started the second quarter strong, even with Vucevic resting, opening on a 6-2 run. Sweden leaned on pace and pick and roll offense to stay in it but on the opposite side Montenegro kept punishing their drop coverage. Vladimir Mihailovic fueled an 11-4 run to close the half after Sweden briefly took the lead. Sweden’s 5-of-11 shooting from deep kept them within striking distance despite struggles inside. Montenegro went into halftime up 40-34.

Sweden opened the third with a 10-2 run, all created by Pelle Larsson either scoring or assisting. Vucevic continued to be effective in single coverage against Simon Birgander, but Sweden’s defense collapsed on him when others guarded, forcing him into playmaking where he was less effective. Sweden also flipped the pressure by attacking the rim, drawing 9 free throws in the quarter after just 7 in the entire first half. Their aggression paid off, and they led 65-64 heading into the fourth.

Montenegro responded with a 6-0 run to start the final period, but then went nearly five minutes without a score. Sweden took advantage with energy plays from Melwin Pantzar Njie and Larsson orchestrating nearly every possession. Just as Montenegro seemed to be fading, Kyle Allman erupted, after starting 0-for-9, he poured in 10 straight points to give his side the lead back. Vucevic then came up with a massive offensive rebound and putback to make it a two-possession game with 33 seconds left. Sweden committed a costly turnover on the next play, sealing their fate.

Montenegro’s 23-16 closing quarter highlighted their execution in the clutch. Vucevic was immense with 23 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, showing why he’s still the anchor of this team. Allman overcame a rough shooting night to deliver when it mattered, finishing with 7 assists alongside his clutch scoring burst. Mihailovic and Igor Drobnjak added steady contributions.

For Sweden, Pelle Larsson was outstanding, putting up 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists as the clear engine of their attack, but six missed free throws (15-for-21 overall) and late turnovers proved too costly.

Montenegro, finally on the board in Tampere, keep their Round of 16 hopes alive, while Sweden’s path becomes much more difficult after this narrow defeat.

 

Turkey 84, Estonia 64

Turkey came out sharp on both ends, setting the tone with a highly efficient opening quarter. They scored 25 points on 3-of-3 shooting inside, 3-of-7 from deep, and most notably went to the line 14 times in the first 10 minutes. Estonia, on the other hand, struggled to generate clean looks and were limited to just 13 points. After one, Turkey led 25-13.

By halftime, Turkey’s physical edge was clear. They were punishing Estonia on the glass with a 26-11 rebounding advantage and continued to share the ball at a high level, racking up 12 assists. Smart off-ball cuts out of Alperen Sengun post-ups kept Estonia scrambling, as Sengun’s passing out of doubles opened up clean finishes. The Houston Rockets big man went into the break with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists as Turkey built a 46-27 lead. Estonia shot just 22% from the field in the half, salvaging some efficiency with a few makes from three.

Estonia finally found better rhythm after halftime, attacking with more physicality while still managing to limit fouls on the defensive end. They won the third quarter 22-19, capped by a well-drawn end-of-quarter set that gave them an open three. But Turkey had answers, using inverted pick-and-rolls to get Sengun attacking mismatches and leaning on Adem Bona’s defensive presence around the rim to protect their cushion. Estonia briefly flirted with momentum early in the fourth by trying a 2-3 zone and knocking down a couple of threes, but it wasn’t enough. Turkey calmly closed out the game 84-64.

The numbers reflected Turkey’s dominance: 28–16 points in the paint, a 41–26 rebounding edge, and a 20–10 advantage in points off turnovers. They shot efficiently at 54% inside the arc and 42% from three. Sengun once again starred with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, making EuroBasket history as the first player in the last 30 years to record three straight games of 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists. Bona added a major defensive spark, while Turkey’s collective ball movement (25 assists) showcased their depth.

For Estonia, Kristian Kullamäe (16 points) and Siim-Sander Vene Hermet (12 points) provided scoring, but overall the offense never found consistency, shooting just 11-of-30 inside the arc against Turkey’s size.

Already through to the Round of 16, Turkey extended their win streak to four, setting up a decisive group-stage finale against Serbia with first place on the line.

 

Germany 120, Great Britain 57

Great Britain came out with a clear plan, forcing switches and attacking Germany’s guards inside with some early success. Germany, meanwhile, looked slow to start, lacking urgency until their press (alternating between 2-2-1 and man after made FTs) disrupted GB’s rhythm. The first few minutes produced some entertaining offense both ways, but Germany locked in defensively late in the quarter, closing on a 13–1 run. Franz Wagner’s playmaking (6 first-quarter assists) fueled the surge as Germany shot 9-for-12 inside. Still, GB’s energy on the glass (7 ORebs) kept them in touch, trailing 32–19 after one.

From there, the gulf in quality and depth became obvious. Germany’s ball pressure and disciplined team defense, strong on the gaps but without unnecessary overhelp, set up transition chances. On offense, they flowed smoothly, even using Gortat screens to carve out driving lanes. Great Britain mixed in a 2-3 zone on SLOBs, but Germany’s movement and spacing solved it. By halftime the Germans had doubled up GB, 58–31, shooting 61% from the field and already showing complete control.

The third quarter was a rout. Germany pushed the pace at every chance but played with maturity, never forcing bad looks. The result: a 30–9 frame where GB managed just 4-of-16 shooting. By the end of three, it was 88–40, and the contest was long decided. Germany finished the job in style, crossing the 120-point mark in a 120–57 final.

The stat sheet underscored their dominance: 72% from two, 52% from three, a 41–26 rebounding advantage (GB’s 15 offensive boards the only category they edged). Tristan da Silva led with 25, while Wagner added 18 and 10 assists in just 18 minutes. For Great Britain, Myles Hesson and Patrick Whelan managed 11 apiece.

Historically, this was a landmark win: Germany’s highest EuroBasket scoring output since 1987, their largest margin in 66 years (+63), and the first time any team has scored 100+ in each of their first four games. For Great Britain, it marked their heaviest defeat in more than six decades.

 

Latvia 78, Portugal 62

Latvia came out firing, opening on a 7–0 run, while Portugal looked to establish Travante in the post against smaller Latvian guards. But Portugal’s static spacing made it easy for Latvia to load up defensively. On the other end, Latvia’s player and ball movement gave the Portuguese trouble, and Kristaps Porzingis stretched the floor early with three first-quarter triples. Portugal did fight back late, with Lisboa scoring four straight to trim the deficit to two, 23–21 after one.

Out of the huddle, Latvia attacked mismatches inside with Rolands Smits and kept Portugal off balance with Porzingis’ pick-and-pop game. Portugal tried switching, but that only left Porzingis attacking smaller defenders from the top. A 15–3 run broke the game open, and Latvia’s ball sharing (14 assists in the first half) fueled a dominant 27–7 second quarter. Portugal, meanwhile, made just one field goal in the period and shot 30% from the field by halftime. Latvia led 50–28 at the break, hitting 11 threes at a blistering 52%.

Portugal showed resilience in the second half. Lisboa scored 8 points in the third, and Gameiro gave them energy in the fourth with ball pressure, five points, and two assists. They even cut the deficit to 12, but never closer, as Latvia cooled off offensively and managed only 28 second-half points. Still, the cushion from their huge second quarter was more than enough to secure the 78–62 win.

Without Rodions Kurucs and now with Andrejs Grazulis ruled out for the tournament, the potential injuries to Arturs Zagars and Kristers Zoriks would be massive blows for this Latvian team if the worst case is confirmed. The group has been growing as the tournament goes on, as expected and seemed primed to peak during the knockout stages if things clicked. But it’s hard for any team to withstand so many significant setbacks. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: they are slowly starting to look more like themselves and when that happens, this is a team that can compete with anyone.

Porzingis paced Latvia with 21 points and 9 rebounds in 25 minutes, while three others joined him in double figures. Latvia finished with 20 assists and a perfect 16-for-16 from the line despite cooling to 41% overall. For Portugal, the positives were their 17 offensive rebounds and second-chance scoring, but poor shooting (34% FG, 28% 3PT, 58% FT) undermined their effort. Lisboa (17 points) and Neemias Queta (16 points, 7 rebounds) carried the offense, but it wasn’t enough against Latvia’s decisive first-half punch.

 

Lithuania 81, Finland 78

Lithuania secured a hard-fought victory over Finland, claiming an 81–78 win and booking their place in the Round of 16, though the game came at a cost with Rokas Jokubaitis suffering a knee injury that could jeopardize his tournament. The hosts started strong with a 9–2 run, but Lithuania’s defensive strategy quickly began to shape the contest. Smaller guards Normantas and Sargiunas were physical on Lauri Markkanen, making it difficult for him to get going, while Valanciunas, coming off the bench for the first time since EuroBasket 2015, rotated in whenever Lauri left the floor, anchoring Lithuania’s post play.

The first quarter was fast-paced, with both teams exchanging blows, yet Lithuania ended it slightly ahead at 21–20. In the second, the Lithuanians executed their pick-and-roll sets efficiently, particularly through Jokubaitis, and began to exploit interior mismatches. Lauri continued to struggle under tight defensive attention, finishing the half with only seven points on 3-of-9 shooting, while Jantunen kept Finland afloat with 13 first-half points. Lithuania outscored Finland 25–15 in the second quarter, building a 45–36 halftime lead, highlighted by 28 points in the paint and six second-chance points.

The third quarter saw mini-runs from both sides and some tactical adjustments. Finland pressed full-court but continued to allow Jokubaitis downhill opportunities, which he used to great effect, tallying 13 points and five assists in the half. The quarter was gritty and more physical, ending 12–12, with Lithuania maintaining a 57–48 edge.

Jokubaitis left with just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter due to injury, forcing Lithuania to rely more on Valanciunas and Blazevic, though their offensive rhythm stalled whenever neither was on the floor. Finland went 5-of-9 from three in the final quarter to cut the deficit to three, but a dagger corner three from Sedekerskis with 27 seconds left iced the game.

Defensively, Lithuania’s scheme was decisive. They held Finland to 46 points in the paint, collected 17 offensive rebounds and forced Finland into key misses despite Markkanen posting 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jokubaitis contributed 16 points and nine assists before exiting, while Blazevic added 14 points and eight rebounds. For Finland, Jantunen finished with 19 points and eight rebounds.

 

Serbia 82, Czechia 60

Serbia dominated Czechia from the outset, immediately exposing their transition defense. Early fastbreak points piled up, giving Serbia a quick lead, and despite some early turnovers and hesitant decision-making from Avramovic, the team’s size and depth quickly established control. By the end of the first quarter, Serbia led 27–5, already capitalizing on Czechia’s inability to protect the rim or contain transition opportunities.

Czechia attempted a response in the second quarter, opening with a 7–2 run that briefly cut the deficit to 29–12. Serbia’s execution dipped momentarily with Micic still finding his rhythm and Jokic on the bench, but once he settled in, the team surged again. Serbia’s dominance inside the paint and ability to convert turnovers into points kept them firmly ahead, building a 45–23 halftime lead despite a poor 13% showing from three-point range. Rebounding (25–15) and assists (17–9) underscored their control, while 30 points in the paint compared to just eight for Czechia highlighted the mismatch in size and frontcourt execution.

The third quarter saw Czechia regroup and execute with better discipline, winning the frame 18–16 and cutting the gap to 61–43. Serbia’s lineup with Jovic, Jokic, and Milutinov continued to cause matchup nightmares, with Milutinov delivering an efficient 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting, seven rebounds, and two steals.

In the fourth, Serbia treated the game partly as a preparation exercise, giving Micic more reps as he worked back into shape after injury. A technical foul on Petr Krivanek after fouling a 3 point shot led to a four-point play for Serbia, extending their lead to 73–50. Czechia tried to mount a late surge, with Vit Krejci scoring consecutively, but Serbia’s composure, disciplined defense, and overwhelming paint dominance closed the game at 82–60. Serbia committed just nine fouls versus Czechia’s 23 and converted 23 fastbreak points, demonstrating both defensive discipline and opportunistic transition play.

This win kept Serbia undefeated at 4–0, secured their passage to the Round of 16, and set up a pivotal matchup against Türkiye for the top spot in Group A. Serbia’s tactical approach, leveraging interior dominance, selective perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense, proved decisive against an undersized and outmatched Czech side.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

Greece 94, Georgia 53

Giannis leads another ruthless Greek performance. Greece came out intent on pushing the pace, and Georgia struggled to generate clean looks against their length and physicality. Early on, Dinos Mitoglou stretched the floor with two quick pick-and-pop threes, while Giannis Antetokounmpo was involved in every action on both ends. Georgia’s offense repeatedly found itself deep into the shot clock, relying only on the occasional late mismatch attack to stay in touch.

A brief attempt at a 2-2-1 press to start the second quarter fizzled and Greece capitalized. Their defense turned stops into a transition masterclass, building a 46-29 halftime cushion. By then, Georgia were already showing cracks in focus, committing sloppy errors that Greece punished.

The third quarter was more of the same: Greece shared the ball, punished the double-teams Giannis attracted and kept Georgia out of rhythm. Even when Georgia went small and switched everything, finding some success by allowing only 5 points in the final 4 minutes, they still couldn’t score consistently on the other end. Greece won the quarter 23-12 and never looked back.

Giannis was dominant with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in 25 minutes, supported by Mitoglou’s 17 points. Greece finished with 28 assists, hit 14-of-26 threes (56%), and racked up a 19-0 edge in fast-break points. Georgia’s only positive came on the offensive glass (15 boards, 12 second-chance points), but they shot just 30% from the field and 18% from three. Mamukelashvili, Sanadze, and Shermadini reached double figures, while Goga Bitadze did not play and Toko Shengelia logged only a brief cameo.

The 94-53 win moved Greece to 3-0 in Group C, their defense and tempo once again overwhelming an opponent that quickly ran out of answers.

 

Slovenia 86, Belgium 69

Belgium opened with a clear defensive plan to contain Luka Dončić, using Jean-Marc Mwema on him early and switching with Ismaël Bako at times. Dončić missed his first four shots, and 2 quick fouls in the first quarter on Jean-Marc Mwema opened things up for Slovenia, with Edo Murić providing an early lift. Offensively, Belgium looked to pound the ball inside against Slovenia’s switching, but Slovenia’s guards and Dončić himself held up physically, keeping those post-up chances from turning into an advantage.

Trailing by double digits midway through the second quarter, Belgium started blitzing Dončić at the top of the floor. It worked briefly, but as Slovenia swung the ball, open threes began to drop. When Belgium abandoned that approach, Dončić went back to hunting mismatches against the smaller Lecomte. Unlike earlier games, Slovenia’s offense showed more balance, with multiple contributors easing the burden on Dončić. Defensively, they were sharp: Belgium had just 10 points in the first quarter, shot 1-of-7 from three in the half, and struggled to score in the paint against Slovenia’s compact help. Slovenia led 44-26 at halftime.

Slovenia opened the second half with a 7-0 run to stretch the lead to 19, but careless turnovers allowed Belgium to claw back within 11. Belgium caught fire from deep, hitting five threes in the third quarter while producing just two points in the paint. Slovenia mixed in a 2-3 zone on baseline inbounds, but their rotations were shaky. Still, Belgium’s short bench showed as their energy faded in the fourth.

That’s when Klemen Prepelič stepped up, scoring 6 of his 12 points in the final quarter to put the game away. Dončić closed with a historic triple-double, 26 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, becoming only the fourth player since 1995 to record one at EuroBasket. Slovenia dominated the glass 43-31, outscored Belgium 40-18 in the paint, and sealed their first Group D win at 86-69.

Belgium, now 1-2, had Bako battling inside but struggled to sustain their perimeter momentum. Slovenia, meanwhile, looked more fluid and collective than in previous outings, with Dončić making history in the process.

 

Israel 82, France 69

France looked disjointed to open the game, managing only six points in the first five minutes. The entry of Zaccharie Risacher (back-to-back threes, then 10 quick points) and Jaylen Hoard’s activity shifted momentum, with their length and pace difficult for Israel’s bench to match. Still, foul trouble in the first quarter with Deni Avdija drawing 3 fouls in under 2 minutes and Israel’s zone defenses kept Les Bleus out of rhythm. France shot just 14% from the field for most of the second quarter and went 3-of-13 from deep by halftime, while Israel stayed close through free throws and timely three-pointers. The game was tied 26–26 midway through the second before France regained a slim edge.

In the third, Deni Avdija and Yam Madar sparked Israel with consecutive threes and strong defense, helping their side take a 42–38 lead. Hoard (6-of-6 from the field at one stage) and Okobo’s back-to-back threes, including a four-point play, briefly carried France ahead by one entering the fourth.

But France unraveled in the final frame. Two early turnovers fueled Israel’s transition game, and Avdija pushed the pace, drawing fouls and piling on pressure. Israel strung together an 11-0 run, holding France scoreless for nearly three minutes, and seized control at 66–59. From there, France’s offense, bogged down against Israel’s 2-3 zone and overreliant on athletic plays, produced just 13 points in the quarter, their lowest of the tournament.

Avdija finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals in a commanding all-around display. Madar added 17 points, while Roman Sorkin’s inside presence and Israel’s stretch bigs opened the floor for guards to create. Israel shot 7-of-18 from three and limited France to 8-of-32, suffocating them with disciplined zone rotations despite some backdoor lapses.

France did tally 19 assists and 9 blocks, but their inconsistency and inability to solve Israel’s defensive looks proved costly. With the win, Israel moved to 2–1 in Group D, tied with France, and solidified their reputation as one of the tournament’s dark horses.

 

Spain 91, Cyprus 47

Spain were in control from the outset and had no trouble dispatching hosts Cyprus, 91-47. The defending champions imposed their size and ball movement throughout, winning the rebounding battle 46-24 and piling up 29 assists against just 11 for Cyprus. The hosts never found rhythm, finishing 0-of-2 from the free-throw line and committing 18 turnovers. Darral Willis was the lone bright spot, contributing 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Willy Hernangómez set the tone inside, leading Spain with 19 points on near-perfect shooting plus 8 rebounds and 3 assists. His production anchored an offense that shared the ball and spread the floor with 14 made three-pointers. By halftime Spain had built a 41-17 lead, and from there the gap only widened.

We saw Coach Scariolo use this game to test Juancho Hernangómez at the small forward position, a different look we haven’t seen so far in this tournament. It could become a weapon to exploit later and even though its effectiveness was hard to assess in this type of game, it’s something to keep an eye on.

Head coach Sergio Scariolo praised his team’s approach on the second night of a back-to-back, highlighting the unselfishness and composure that defined the performance. Spain improved to 2-1 in Group C, with a much tougher test against Italy ahead, while Cyprus remain winless at 0-3.

 

Poland 84, Iceland 75

Poland opened the game by pushing the pace and relying on Mateusz Ponitka as the floor general, setting a strong rhythm early. Iceland struggled to find cohesion offensively, turning the ball over frequently, while Poland’s own aggressiveness in transition also led to some early miscues. Tryggvi Hlinason posed a serious threat in the paint, forcing Poland to crowd the lane and adjust their interior defense. Jordan Loyd complemented the team effort with efficient cuts and smart reads off screens.

By halftime, Poland had accumulated 13 assists and controlled the flow, despite Iceland’s continued struggles from deep (3-of-17 from three). Poland extended their lead through a dominant third quarter, relying on transition scoring and careful ball movement. Iceland refused to go away, however, mounting a late fourth-quarter comeback that briefly gave them the lead with about three minutes remaining.

Poland responded immediately, taking advantage of a string of Icelandic fouls, including an unsportsmanlike and a technical, that shifted momentum decisively. Dominik Olejniczak’s mid-range hook and Loyd’s free throws in the final seconds sealed an 84-75 victory.

Ponitka finished with a near triple-double line of 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, underlining his role as Poland’s engine, while Poland out-rebounded Iceland 41-31 and matched them point-for-point in the paint despite Hlinason’s dominance. Fast-break execution also proved crucial, with Poland outscoring Iceland 18-11 in transition. The win secured Poland’s ticket to the Round of 16, keeping them unbeaten at 3-0 in Group D.

 

Italy 96, Bosnia & Herzegovina 79

Bosnia & Herzegovina came out with energy, quickly building an early six-point lead. Italy responded, staying patient and methodical, and headed into halftime with a narrow 44-40 advantage. Both teams showed offensive creativity, but Italy’s superior ball movement and spacing kept them in control despite Bosnia’s early aggressiveness.

The second half began similarly, with Bosnia briefly reclaiming the lead. Italy, however, adjusted efficiently, relying on the hot hand of Simone Fontecchio, who ended the night with 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, including 7-of-10 shooting from deep. The Azzurri maintained their advantage with a 28-21 third quarter and a 24-18 fourth quarter, combining sharpshooting with disciplined ball movement that produced 25 assists on the night.

Jusuf Nurkic starred for Bosnia with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Edin Atic added 10 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Italy’s overall offensive efficiency was remarkable, connecting on 58.3% from three and limiting Bosnia to just 5-of-21 from deep. The team also dominated the boards, finishing with a 46-24 advantage, which allowed them to generate multiple second-chance opportunities and control the tempo.

Tactically, Italy’s combination of spacing, off-ball movement, and high-volume three-point shooting forced Bosnia into difficult defensive rotations, especially when Fontecchio was operating off screens. Italy also showed patience against Bosnia’s defensive pressure, moving the ball and exploiting mismatches, while staying disciplined even after the ejection of coach Gianmarco Pozzecco early in the second half.

Darius Thompson and Marco Spissu contributed 14 points each, combining for 9 assists, supporting Italy’s offensive balance. Italy’s victory improved their record to 2-1 in Group C and set up a important matchup against Spain, while Bosnia falls to 1-2 and will face undefeated Greece next.

Simone Fontecchio made history for Italy at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 by setting a new single-game scoring record with 39 points against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 29-year-old forward, who struggled in Italy’s opening games, was unstoppable, hitting 13 of 20 shots, including 7 of 10 from three-point range, and also adding 8 rebounds and 3 assists. His performance surpassed Andrea Bargnani’s previous record of 36 points from EuroBasket 2011.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!