EuroBasket 2025: Slovenia, Israel, France Advance to Knockout Stage

Posted : 03 September 2025

Luka Doncic led Slovenia with 26 points as the team defeated Iceland 87-79 to secure a spot in the EuroBasket knockout stage, simultaneously ensuring France’s qualification. Despite a poor showing from beyond the arc, hitting just 2 of 10 three-pointers, the Los Angeles Lakers star’s overall performance helped Slovenia join Poland, Israel, and France as the four teams advancing from Group D.

Spain faces uncertainty after a narrow 67-63 loss to Italy in Group C. Marco Spissu sealed Italy’s victory with crucial free throws in the closing seconds, while Giampaolo Ricci added another point from the line.

Spain, tied with Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 2-2, still controls its destiny, as a win against Greece on Thursday would guarantee advancement to the last 16. Mouhamet Diouf led Italy with 14 points, Ricci added 11, and Cleveland Cavaliers draftee Saliou Niang recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

For Spain, Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama posted 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Sergio de Larrea contributed 15 points.

Israel also booked its place in the knockout rounds, with Deni Avdija scoring 22 points in a 92-89 victory over Belgium. Avdija, a forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, had previously scored 23 points to lead Israel past France.

His teammates, including Maccabi Tel Aviv center Roman Sorkin, supported with 18 points. Israel led by as much as 21 points before Belgium narrowed the gap, but Yam Madar’s two free throws in the final seconds secured the win. Loic Schwartz led Belgium with 14 points, hitting four three-pointers.

In Group D, France defeated co-host Poland 83-76, with Guerschon Yabusele scoring 36 points on six three-pointers and adding six rebounds. Élie Okobo contributed 14 points and 10 assists, while Jaylen Hoard added 10 points. Poland’s top scorers were Jordan Loyd with 18 points, Mateusz Ponitka with 16, and Michał Sokołowski with 15.

Greece suffered its first Group C defeat, losing 80-77 to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Giannis Antetokounmpo was rested due to knee discomfort, but head coach Vassilis Spanoulis expects him to play against Spain. Jusuf Nurkic and John Roberson both scored 18 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Meanwhile, Georgia stayed in contention with a 93-61 victory over winless co-host Cyprus, led by Barcelona forward Tornike Shengelia with 27 points and Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

The EuroBasket knockout phase will take place in Riga, Latvia, from September 6-14, where the advancing teams from each group will compete for the continental title.

EuroBasket 2025: Slovenia, Israel, France Advance to Knockout Stage

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics