In a shocking turn of events at EuroBasket 2025, Georgia defeated France 80 to 70 in the round of 16, marking their first ever trip to the quarterfinals. This upset happened on September 7 in Riga, Latvia, where Georgia’s strong defense and sharp shooting overwhelmed the Olympic silver medalists, sending ripples through the basketball world.
Fans watched in disbelief as Georgia, led by stars like Tornike Shengelia, outplayed a favored French team that struggled with poor three point shooting and fouls. This win sets up Georgia against Finland next, while other games saw Slovenia advance thanks to Luka Doncic’s heroics.
Georgia’s Path to Glory
Georgia’s victory over France was no fluke. They built a slim lead by halftime and pulled away in the fourth quarter with smart plays and tough defense.
Shengelia scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds, using his power to pressure France’s backline. Teammate Sandro Mamukelashvili added 14 points and 11 rebounds, showing why he is a rising force in international hoops.
The team shot over 50 percent from beyond the arc, a key factor in their dominance. Their free throw accuracy, hitting 20 out of 24, punished France for every mistake.
This win is historic for Georgia, a nation not often in the spotlight for basketball. It boosts national pride and inspires young players back home.
France’s Shocking Exit
France entered as favorites after topping their group, but their offense crumbled under pressure. They made only six of 36 three point attempts, a dismal 17 percent success rate.
Guerschon Yabusele, who shone earlier with 36 points against Poland, found little space and was pushed to the edges. Rookie Zaccharie Risacher, the top NBA draft pick last year, tried to spark a comeback, tying the game late at 68 all.
But fouls and missed shots doomed them. Coach Frederic Fauthoux’s squad never found rhythm, leading to an early tournament exit despite high expectations from their Olympic run.
This loss mirrors other upsets, like Serbia’s defeat to Finland, showing how unpredictable EuroBasket can be.
Here are key stats from the France vs Georgia game:
- Georgia’s three point shooting: 52 percent (13 of 25)
- France’s free throw attempts: 18 (made 14)
- Turnovers: Georgia 12, France 15
- Rebounds: Georgia 42, France 38
Luka Doncic Powers Slovenia Forward
Slovenia edged Italy 84 to 77 in another thrilling round of 16 matchup, driven by Luka Doncic’s monster performance. The Dallas Mavericks star dropped 42 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and added three steals.
Doncic dominated early, scoring 22 points in the first quarter alone. His scoring kept Slovenia ahead despite Italy’s late push.
This win advances Slovenia to face Germany in the quarterfinals. Doncic’s effort broke records, marking the highest scoring game in EuroBasket 2025 so far.
His play reminds fans of past heroics, like leading Slovenia to wins over top teams in previous tournaments.
Other Key Advances and Surprises
Poland also moved on, adding to the day’s excitement. They joined Slovenia and Georgia in shaking up the bracket.
Finland’s upset over Serbia, powered by Lauri Markkanen, set the tone for these underdog stories. These results highlight the growing talent across Europe.
EuroBasket 2025 continues to deliver drama, with teams like Germany and others gearing up for intense quarterfinals.
| Team | Opponent | Score | Key Player | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | France | 80-70 | Tornike Shengelia | 24 |
| Slovenia | Italy | 84-77 | Luka Doncic | 42 |
| Finland | Serbia | 89-81 | Lauri Markkanen | 28 |
| Poland | Opponent | Win | Leading Scorer | 22 |
What This Means for EuroBasket Future
These upsets change the tournament landscape. Georgia’s success could inspire smaller nations to invest more in basketball programs.
For fans, it means more unpredictable games ahead. Stars like Doncic keep the spotlight on individual brilliance amid team efforts.
As quarterfinals approach on September 10, expect more thrills in Riga and other host cities like Cyprus, Finland, and Latvia.
Share your thoughts on these upsets in the comments below. Did Georgia’s win surprise you? Follow for more updates and let’s discuss who might take the title.
