Germany Edges Out Slovenia in Thrilling EuroBasket Match
In an emotional encounter, Germany defeated Slovenia with a score of 99-91 in the EuroBasket quarterfinals. Despite the impressive 39 points scored by Luka Dončić, Slovenia failed to secure the victory. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic player, was key for Germany with 23 points. Dennis Schröder contributed 20 points and 7 assists, sealing Germany’s spot in the semifinals, where they will face Finland on Friday. Andreas Obst’s three-pointer started a 12-0 run that put the world champions ahead on the scoreboard, with a 77-74 at the start of the last quarter. Dončić, with a three-pointer, put Slovenia ahead 86-85 with 4:12 left, but Schröder responded with a crucial three-pointer, securing the victory for Germany. Dončić, who received a technical foul at the beginning of the game, scored 22 points in the first half, where Slovenia led 51-45. Although he had foul trouble, he continued scoring, finishing the game with 10 rebounds and seven assists. Wagner stood out for his effectiveness from the free throw line, with 13 of 14. Germany, which is seeking its second EuroBasket title since 1993, demonstrated its solidity in the tournament. The match remained close until Tristan Da Silva scored a three-pointer at the buzzer at the end of the third quarter, reducing Slovenia’s lead to four points. The final will be held on Sunday in Riga, Latvia, the venue for all knockout matches.Finland Secures Semifinal Spot After Defeating Georgia
In another exciting match, Finland defeated Georgia with a score of 93-79, securing their place in the semifinals for the first time in their history. Mikael Jantunen led Finland with 19 points, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 17 points and six rebounds. Jantunen highlighted the team’s cohesion, emphasizing the basketball culture in Finland.Finland demonstrated its depth by scoring 44 points off the bench, surpassing Georgia’s four points. The Finnish team had a 20-point lead in the third quarter before Georgia reduced the difference to six points with eight minutes remaining. Sandro Mamukelashvili led Georgia with 22 points. Finland, after surprising Serbia, quickly took the lead thanks to their effective three-point shooting, doubling Georgia 30-15 at the start of the second quarter. Miikka Muurinen, 18 years old, projected to be a first-round NBA draft pick in 2027, scored 7 points off the bench. This was the first time Georgia reached the quarterfinals as an independent nation, after eliminating France and defeating Spain in the group stage.It’s the same group for a long time. It’s a very close group, like going back and playing with your friends. That’s the basketball culture in Finland.
Mikael Jantunen
