Full Breakdown
Finland Stuns Serbia in EuroBasket 2025 Round of 16
9/7/2025, 11:49:32 AM
Historic Upset in Riga
In a remarkable turn of events at the EuroBasket 2025 tournament, Finland defeated Serbia 92-86 in the Round of 16, eliminating one of the pre-tournament favorites. This victory marks Finland's first win over Serbia since 2009 and secures their place in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive tournament. The game took place at the Xiaomi Arena in Riga, Latvia, where Finland showcased a strong performance, particularly in the final minutes.
Game Overview
Finland started the game with an explosive 11-1 run, quickly establishing a lead that extended to 16-5 in the first quarter. Despite Serbia's efforts to rally, including tying the game at 28-28 in the second quarter, Finland maintained their composure, trailing only 48-44 at halftime. The third quarter saw Finland regain the lead at 68-66, setting the stage for a thrilling final period.
In the fourth quarter, Serbia briefly surged ahead with a 6-0 run, taking a 77-75 lead. However, Elias Valtonen emerged as the hero for Finland, scoring eight crucial points in the last two minutes, including a pivotal three-pointer that helped secure the win. Lauri Markkanen led Finland with 29 points, while Valtonen contributed 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Key Performers
Lauri Markkanen's performance was instrumental, as he not only scored 29 points but also grabbed 8 rebounds and made 12 of 13 free throws. Valtonen's late-game heroics were critical, and he expressed his belief in the team's capabilities: “Amazing night. What can I say. We just believed in each other today and just made it happen.”
On the Serbian side, Nikola Jokic delivered a stellar performance with 33 points and 8 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to prevent the defeat. Nikola Jovic added 20 points, but the rest of the team struggled, with Serbia shooting only 29 percent from three-point range.
Criticism & Opposition
Serbia's head coach, Svetislav Pesic, acknowledged the team's shortcomings, particularly in rebounding, stating, “They were one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the tournament and they had 20 offensive rebounds. We couldn’t find solutions for their offensive rebounds.” Nikola Jovic echoed this sentiment, admitting, “From the start we didn’t come ready. I just wasn’t ready from the jump.”
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Markkanen reflected on the significance of the victory, calling it “unreal” and emphasizing the collective effort of the team. He noted, “We needed every single one of them tonight, and so everybody in the stands and the staff, and the players. Just big credit to them.”
What's Next for Finland
Finland's victory propels them into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the matchup between France and Georgia. This win not only enhances Finland's standing in European basketball but also raises expectations for their performance in the upcoming rounds.
Conclusion
Finland's stunning upset over Serbia is being hailed as one of the biggest surprises in EuroBasket history, with media outlets across Europe reacting to the shocking elimination of the tournament favorites. As Finland continues their journey in the tournament, they have transformed from underdogs into serious contenders, leaving a lasting impact on the basketball world.
