Giannis powers Greece past reigning champion Spain, 90-86, at EuroBasket
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LIMASSOL, Cyprus — Spain’s bid to repeat as EuroBasket champion ended in the group stage on Thursday after Greece, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 25 points and 14 rebounds, claimed a 90-86 victory.
Tyler Dorsey added 22 points as Greece secured first place in Group C and a round-of-16 meeting with Israel on Sunday. Spain, which lifted the trophy in 2022, finished the group at 2-3 and was knocked out.
The Spaniards trailed 50-35 at halftime but surged ahead twice in the fourth quarter before Kostas Sloukas put Greece in front for good with a late layup and two free throws. Jaime Pradilla scored 14 points and Mario Saint-Supery had 13 for Spain.
Elsewhere in Group C
Belgium edged already-qualified Poland 70-69, while Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced by beating Georgia 84-76 behind 15 points and 12 rebounds from Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic. Bosnia and Herzegovina meets Poland in the last 16.
Georgia, led by Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili’s 20 points, erased a 12-point halftime deficit to tie the game at 71-71 before Nurkic’s hook shot triggered a nine-point burst. Despite the loss, Georgia moved on in fourth place thanks to Spain’s defeat and will face France on Sunday.
Italy crushed winless host Cyprus 89-54 and will take on Slovenia in the knockout round.
Group D highlights
Zaccharie Risacher scored 15 points as France routed Iceland 114-74 in Katowice, Poland. The No. 1 overall pick in last year’s NBA draft hit three of five from deep, and the French bench produced 66 points as the Olympic silver medalist topped the group.
Later in Katowice, Luka Doncic poured in 37 points, along with 11 rebounds, nine assists and three steals, to guide Slovenia past Israel 106-96 for its third straight win. The crowd chanted “MVP” as the Los Angeles Lakers star exited late. Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija paced Israel with 34 points and nine rebounds. Both teams had already secured spots in the knockouts starting Saturday in Riga, Latvia.
Round-of-16 schedule, Saturday
Turkey vs. Sweden; Germany vs. Portugal; Lithuania vs. Latvia; Serbia vs. Finland.
Source: ESPN
