EuroBasket 2017: Greece, Ukraine complete Round of 16
After a grueling group phase, which is winding down to its final games, the teams to compete in the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Round of 16 is complete. There were two final spots remaining to be claimed before yesterday’s games and in the end, spirited plays earned Greece and Ukraine those seats. While the matter of which teams advancing has been settled, the actual standings at the end of the group phase have yet to be finalized.
Groups A and B completed their Gameday 5 action and Groups C and D have yet to define the landscape of the Round of 16.
Group A
Slovenia completed a clean sweep of its group phase games with a convincing 95-78 win over France. Their 5-0 record gives them the win and leadership of Group A. Goran Dragic continued his tear with yet another laudable performance with 22 points and eight assists to his name.
Greece emerged victorious in their do-or-die game against Poland. Despite missing the services of star forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece rallied behind the efforts of Kostas Sloukas and his 26-point outburst to lock down the 95-77 win. With only one win to their name, Poland is officially knocked out.
Lauri Markannen and Sasu Salin helped Finland edge out Iceland 83-79. Finland finishes the group phase with a 4-1 slate and has gained some momentum heading into the Round of 16.
Group B
No team emerged from this group unscathed but it would be Lithuania that would claim the win of the stage with their 4-1 performance. They outmuscled a German squad, pounding the ball in the low post. Jonas Valanciunas dropped a monster double-double performance with 27 points and 15 boards. Despite the loss, Germany still locks down second place in the group with their 3-2 record.
Italy quashed Georgia’s hopes of advancing with their 69-71 win, which was spearheaded by veteran Marco Belinelli. This was a bittersweet game for Georgia as it bids one of its veteran players goodbye with Zaza Pachulia announcing his retirement from international competition after the game.
Ukraine claimed the final spot of the group with a win over Israel, 64-88. This was a dominant victory and a much-needed morale booster for the Ukrainian squad. They squeak into the Round of 16 with a 2-3 slate. They got a lift from Viacheslav Kravtsov who chipped in 17 points and seven rebounds.