As the penultimate day of the EuroBasket 2025 group stage drew to a close, basketball enthusiasts across Europe witnessed a mix of expected dominance, surprising upsets, and historic achievements. The dust has settled on Groups A and B, revealing the eight teams set to advance to the knockout rounds, while others pack their bags with a mix of pride and regret. From star-studded duels to nail-biting finishes, this stage delivered pure, unadulterated European basketball drama.
Group A: Turkish Delight Over Serbian Might, Portugal`s Historic Leap
Group A provided a thrilling crescendo, highlighted by a colossal showdown between Turkey and Serbia for the top spot. In a game that lived up to its billing, Turkey emerged victorious with a hard-fought 95-90 win. The marquee matchup between two NBA titans, Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun, saw the latter steal the show. Sengun, the Rockets` young big man, delivered a masterful performance with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, sealing the win with crucial free throws and a defensive stop in the dying seconds. His commanding presence proved just enough to edge out the reigning MVP.
Beyond the heavyweight clash, Group A offered a heartwarming narrative: Portugal’s historic qualification for the Round of 16. In a tight contest, Portugal overcame Estonia 68-65, clinching their first-ever ticket to the knockout stage. A clutch long-range three-pointer from Lisboa and an astute defensive play by Queiroz in the final moments secured their improbable passage. Latvia, meanwhile, showcased its offensive firepower, demolishing the Czech Republic 109-75. The Bertans brothers combined for an impressive 40 points, underlining Latvia`s potential as a dark horse contender. Unfortunately for Estonia and the Czech Republic, their EuroBasket journey ends here.
Group B: German Efficiency, Swedish Resilience, and Montenegro`s Hard Luck
Group B concluded with Germany asserting its undisputed dominance, marching through the group undefeated with a perfect 5-0 record. Their latest victim was Finland, whom they dispatched with a commanding 91-61 performance. Franz Wagner was exceptional, tallying 23 points and 7 rebounds, leading a German squad that looks poised for a deep run in the tournament. One might almost say they made it look easy, a testament to their well-oiled machine.
Lithuania also secured its place, albeit with a narrow 74-71 victory over Sweden, propelled by the consistent efforts of Jonas Valanciunas. However, the real drama in Group B unfolded around the fourth qualifying spot. Montenegro, despite a Herculean effort from Nikola Vucevic (31 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists), fell to Great Britain 83-89, effectively ending their hopes. Ironically, Great Britain`s “consolation prize” victory became Montenegro`s undoing. Sweden, despite their loss to Lithuania, advanced to the Round of 16 thanks to a superior head-to-head basket difference against Montenegro. Sometimes, the numbers just don`t lie, even when the heart wants them to.
Group A Final Standings:
- 1. Turkey (5-0) – Qualified
- 2. Serbia (4-1) – Qualified
- 3. Latvia (3-2) – Qualified
- 4. Portugal (2-3) – Qualified
- 5. Estonia (1-4) – Eliminated
- 6. Czech Republic (0-5) – Eliminated
Group B Final Standings:
- 1. Germany (5-0) – Qualified
- 2. Lithuania (4-1) – Qualified
- 3. Finland (3-2) – Qualified
- 4. Sweden (1-4) – Qualified
- 5. Montenegro (1-4) – Eliminated
- 6. Great Britain (1-4) – Eliminated
With the group stage now firmly in the rearview mirror, the qualified teams look ahead to the unforgiving knockout rounds. The stage is set for more unforgettable moments as the EuroBasket 2025 intensifies. Will Turkey and Germany continue their dominant streaks, or will an underdog emerge to shake up the established order? Only time, and some truly exceptional basketball, will tell.
Elton Marrow