Final score: 99-91 Germany – Slovenia

As the clock wound down, controversy arose with Slovenia’s camp arguing that officiating decisions tilted in Germany’s favor. Still, much of the damage was self-inflicted, as Slovenia missed key shots when it mattered most. A timeout was called with just 3.9 seconds on the clock, but with Germany in control, Slovenia’s hopes of a late comeback were slipping away.

In the closing seconds of the quarterfinal, Germany tightened its grip on the game. A technical foul on Hrovat handed extra free throws to Tice, while Schröder added two more from the line. Radović managed one last basket for Slovenia, but their poor shooting down the stretch proved costly. With just 30 seconds remaining and Germany ahead 97–91, the defending champions looked poised to secure their spot in the EuroBasket 2025 semifinals.

Germany and Slovenia delivered a spectacular clash in Riga on Wednesday night, fighting for the last ticket to the EuroBasket 2025 semifinals. In a game that felt worthy of a final, Germany held off Slovenia 88–86 in a nail-biting finish, setting up a semifinal showdown with Finland.

The match was defined by two superstars: Dennis Schröder, who kept Germany steady with clutch plays, and Luka Dončić, who once again showcased his brilliance with 35 points despite battling foul trouble. Playing much of the second half with four fouls, Dončić carried Slovenia on his back, scoring from deep, earning free throws, and keeping his team alive until the very end.

Slovenia started the game strong, leading by as many as 11 points in the first half, with Dončić and Klemen Prepelič hitting from outside. But Germany stormed back in the second half with Franz Wagner, Johannes Thiemann, and Schröder stepping up. Maodo Lo’s three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter gave Germany a key cushion, and Schröder’s late three sealed the outcome despite Dončić’s heroics.

Tournament context

Germany entered the quarterfinals undefeated (5–0) and had scored over 100 points in four of their six previous games, showing unmatched depth with seven players averaging over 8.5 points per game. Slovenia, meanwhile, relied heavily on Dončić, who is averaging 34.0 points per game — the second-highest in EuroBasket history behind Greece’s legendary Nikos Galis.

The two teams are also the tournament’s top-scoring sides: Germany averages 102.3 points per game, while Slovenia sits at 92.2.

In 2023 at the FIBA World Cup, Germany had crushed Slovenia 100–71. This time, however, Dončić kept the game close until the final buzzer.

What’s next

With the 88–86 victory, Germany advanced to the semifinals for the third consecutive EuroBasket — their longest streak in tournament history. They will face Finland on Friday in Riga, while Greece and Turkey make up the other semifinal pairing.

Slovenia exits with pride, led by Dončić’s historic scoring run, but Germany’s machine rolls on, still chasing another continental crown.