Luka Doncic's Offensive Masterclass Propels Slovenia to EuroBasket 2025 Quarterfinals
Slovenia triumphed over Italy with an 84-77 victory in the EuroBasket men's basketball knockout stage, securing their advancement thanks to an exceptional performance from Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic.
Following France's surprising elimination by Georgia, Slovenia and Italy took to the court at Arena Riga in the Latvian capital.
Doncic delivered as the stakes were high, with a spot in the EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinals on the line.
Slovenia Secures Win as Luka Doncic Accounts for Half His Team's Points
Slovenia started the game brilliantly, led by a red-hot Luka Doncic.
Opponents found it impossible to contain the NBA superstar, who poured in 22 points in the first quarter and had amassed 30 points by halftime.
Luka Magic strikes in Riga as Slovenia 🇸🇮 advances to the #EuroBasket Quarter-Finals! pic.twitter.com/ReqirbcNiM
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2025
After returning from the locker room, Doncic's efficiency dipped slightly, but the Slovenians maintained a comfortable lead, which perhaps led to a momentary lapse in concentration.
Gianmarco Pozzecco's squad mounted a remarkable comeback, significantly narrowing the gap, but ultimately, it was too little, too late.
Doncic reasserted his leadership for Slovenia, dominating the final minutes. Ultimately, Aleksander Sekulic's national team clinched an 84-77 victory, advancing to the quarterfinals where they will face Germany, considered a strong contender for the title.
Doncic scored half of Slovenia's points, finishing with an impressive stat line of 42 points and 10 rebounds while the second-highest scorer for the winners was Klemen Prepelic, with 11 points.
For Italy, notable performances came from Simone Fontecchio (22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists), Saliou Niang (12 points, 6 rebounds), and Danilo Gallinari (10 points, 3 rebounds).
The final Round of 16 match at EuroBasket 2025 featured Greece, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, defeating Israel to face Lithuania in the quarterfinals, who previously defeated Latvia 88-79.