Slovenia booked their place in the EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinals after an inspired performance from Luka Dončić powered them to an 84-77 victory over Italy in Riga.
The Los Angeles Lakers star was at his brilliant best, finishing with 42 points and 10 rebounds in a game where he almost single-handedly carried his national team. Dončić set the tone early, erupting for 22 points in the opening quarter and reaching 30 by halftime. His relentless scoring made life miserable for Italy’s defenders, who struggled to find any answer for his offensive creativity.
After the break, Slovenia briefly lost their rhythm, allowing Gianmarco Pozzecco’s Italian side to cut into what had been a comfortable lead. But when it mattered most, Dončić stepped up again, guiding Aleksander Sekulić’s team through a tense final stretch to secure the win.
Klemen Prepelic provided the next best support for Slovenia with 11 points, while Italy’s challenge was led by Simone Fontecchio, who posted 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Saliou Niang added 12 points and 6 rebounds, and Danilo Gallinari chipped in with 10 points and 3 boards.
The victory sets up a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash between Slovenia and Germany, one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. It also came on a dramatic day at EuroBasket, with France suffering a shock elimination at the hands of Georgia. Meanwhile, Greece, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, advanced after defeating Israel to set up a showdown with Lithuania, who had earlier knocked out hosts Latvia.
For Slovenia, however, the spotlight remains firmly on Dončić. On a night when his country needed him most, he delivered an offensive masterclass that carried them one step closer to European glory.
