Spains EuroBasket 2025 Title Defense on the Line After Narrow Loss to Italy

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LIMASSOL, Cyprus— Spain finds itself in a precarious position in Group C, facing the possibility of elimination after suffering a 67-63 loss to Italy on Tuesday. However, the reigning EuroBasket champions still have the power to determine their own fate.

With just 31 seconds left, Marco Spissu put Italy ahead for good, scoring two free throws to make it 64-63, followed by two additional free throws with 14 seconds remaining. Giampaolo Ricci added to Italy’s lead by making one of two from the charity stripe with eight seconds on the clock.

Spain, the 2022 titleholder, is currently tied with Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, each holding a 2-2 record. Greece and Italy have already secured two out of the four available spots in the round of 16. On Thursday, Georgia will face Bosnia and Herzegovina; if Spain manages to defeat Greece on the same day, they will progress to the knockout stage.

The knockout phase is set to take place in Riga, Latvia, from September 6-14. Spain triumphed over France 88-76 in the final of the previous tournament.

Mouhamet Diouf spearheaded a well-rounded Italian offense with 14 points, while Ricci contributed 11 points and Saliou Niang recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Niang was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of this year’s draft.

Santi Aldama, who is with the Memphis Grizzlies, was the standout performer for Spain, tallying 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Sergio de Larrea added 15 points.

Deni Avdija was instrumental in Israel’s 92-89 victory over Belgium, propelling them into the knockout stage with a leading score of 22 points, alongside Slovenia and France, who also advanced. Poland has also secured its position in the next round from Group D.

Luka Dončić scored 26 points to help Slovenia defeat Iceland 87-79, qualifying for the last 16 while allowing France to progress as well. Despite his strong performance, Dončić struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 2 of 10 three-pointers.

Avdija, a forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, netted 23 points in a stunning 82-69 win over Paris Olympics silver medalists France on Sunday. He received support from Maccabi Tel Aviv center Roman Sorkin, who added 18 points.

Israel held a commanding 21-point lead at one point during their game in the Polish city of Katowice, but Belgium fought back.

With just four seconds remaining, Yam Madar converted two free throws to give Israel a 92-87 lead, solidifying a hard-fought victory that temporarily placed Israel at the top of Group D.

Loic Schwartz contributed to Belgium’s effort with four three-pointers and a total of 14 points.

Later that Tuesday in Group D, France was set to compete against co-host Poland, while defending champions Spain prepared to take on the already-qualified Italy in Limassol.

In another Group C matchup, Greece suffered an 80-77 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking their first loss of the tournament.

The Greeks had already secured their spot in the last 16, and star player Giannis Antetokounmpo was rested due to knee discomfort.

Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis mentioned in an interview with Greek public broadcaster ERT that Antetokounmpo is expected to be ready to play on Thursday against Spain.

Both Jusuf Nurkic of the Utah Jazz and John Roberson put up 18 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina, improving their group record to 2-2.

Georgia kept their hopes of qualification alive with a commanding 93-61 victory over co-host Cyprus, who remains winless. Tornike Shengelia from Barcelona led Georgia’s scoring with 27 points, while Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic added 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

The top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase in Riga, Latvia, scheduled for September 6-14.

Spain triumphed over France 88-76 in the championship match of 2022.