EuroBasket 2025: Luka Dončić lifts Slovenia into final 16, defending champions Spain face elimination

Despite a poor shooting night, Luka Dončić scored 26 points as Slovenia overpowered Iceland, 87-79, to reach the round of 16 in EuroBasket 2025.

Both were neck-and-neck until the third quarter when Doncic and Aleksej Nikolic spearheaded a 24 point scoring spree that gave Slovenia a 60-46 lead heading into the final frame.

Martin Hermannsson and Iceland trimmed the lead to five with two minutes to go but Gregor Hrovat and Klemen Prepelic drained threes that helped secure the Slovenians the game and a ticket to the last 16, 87-79.

Tryggvi Hlinason led Iceland with double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Hermannsson followed with 21 points.

Luka Doncic carrying his Slovenia to the Round of 16 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/FIGwrrrKEB

— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 2, 2025

Spain’s title defense on the brink of collapse

Defending champions Spain are in risk of exiting early after faltering against Italy, 67-63, courtesy of Marco Spissu and Giampaolo Richi who sank the game-winning free throws.

Italy had a balanced attack led by Mouhamet Diouf with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Ricci tallied 11 points and five boards.

Santi Aldama spearheaded Spain with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Sergio Larrea followed with 15 and seven boards.

Avdija’s heroics power Israel into last 16

Deni Avdija’s 22 points lifted Israel to a tight 92-89 win against Belgium, putting them atop the Group D standings.

Roman Sorkin also contributed 18 points, while Belgium’s Emmanuel Lecomte 15 was not enough in the loss.

Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence due to knee discomfort was by Greece as they tasted defeat for the first time in the tournament after losing against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Georgia kept its tournament hopes alive after outclassing co-host Cyprus, 93-61.

The knockout phase will be held in Riga, Latvia from Sept. 6-14.

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