Spain is at risk of being eliminated from Group C after losing 67-63 to Italy on Tuesday, but the defending EuroBasket champions still have a chance to advance.
Spain, the 2022 champions, now has a 2-2 record, tied with Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Greece and Italy have already secured two of the four spots in the round of 16. Spain can still advance if they beat Greece on Thursday, while Georgia faces Bosnia and Herzegovina the same day.
The knockout stage will be held in Riga, Latvia, from September 6 to 14. Spain defeated France 88-76 in the 2022 final to win their fourth EuroBasket title.
For Italy, Mouhamet Diouf led the team with 14 points, Giampaolo Ricci contributed 11 points, and Saliou Niang added a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Niang was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round this year.
Spain’s top performers were Santi Aldama, who scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Sergio de Larrea, who added 15 points.
This loss puts Spain in a tough spot, but a win against Greece could still secure their place in the next round.
Avdija Guides Israel to EuroBasket Knockout Stage
Luka Dončić led Slovenia with 26 points as they beat Iceland 87-79, ensuring France also moved on. Dončić struggled from beyond the arc, making only 2 of 10 three-pointers.
Avdija, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, had scored 23 points on Sunday when Israel upset France 82-69. In this game, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Roman Sorkin supported him with 18 points.
Israel once led by 21 points in Katowice, Poland, before Belgium narrowed the gap. In the final moments, Yam Madar sank two free throws with four seconds left to give Israel a 92-87 lead and a thrilling victory, putting them temporarily at the top of Group D.
For Belgium, Loic Schwartz scored 14 points, including four three-pointers. Later on Tuesday, France played co-host Poland, while defending champion Spain faced already-qualified Italy in Limassol, Cyprus.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Rests as Greece Suffers Defeat
In Group C, Greece suffered their first loss, falling 80-77 to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Greece had already secured a spot in the last 16, and star player Giannis Antetokounmpo was rested in Limassol due to a minor knee issue. Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis told Greek broadcaster ERT that Antetokounmpo should be ready to play against Spain on Thursday.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic and John Roberson each scored 18 points, helping their team reach a 2-2 record in the group stage.
Meanwhile, Georgia stayed in contention for the knockout phase with a strong 93-61 win over winless co-host Cyprus. Barcelona forward Tornike Shengelia scored 27 points, while Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze added 21 points and 13 rebounds.
The top four teams from each group will move on to the knockout stage, which takes place in Riga, Latvia, from September 6–14. In the previous tournament, Spain had beaten France 88-76 in the 2022 final.
FAQ
What was the result of Spain’s match against Italy in EuroBasket 2025?
Spain lost narrowly to Italy with a final score of 67-63.
How does this loss affect Spain’s chances in the group stage?
The defeat puts Spain in danger of not advancing, leaving them tied with Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 2-2.
Who led Italy to victory over Spain?
Marco Spissu scored crucial points with late free throws, and Giampaolo Ricci and Mouhamet Diouf also contributed significantly.
What does Spain need to do to qualify for the knockout stage?
Spain must defeat Greece in their next match to secure a place in the round of 16.
Where and when will the EuroBasket knockout stage be held?
The knockout phase will take place in Riga, Latvia, from September 6 to 14, 2025.
Who were the top performers for Spain in the match against Italy?
Santi Aldama scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Sergio de Larrea added 15 points.
