EuroBasket is heating up, and on Tuesday we got our first two semifinalists. Among them, proudly, is Greece. The national team put on a commanding performance in Riga, defeating Lithuania 87–76 to punch their ticket to the final four.
It was a statement win for Vassilis Spanoulis’ squad, who outplayed a Lithuania side led by Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas — and backed by 10,000 passionate fans in the Arena Riga stands. Greece never looked rattled and cruised to a comfortable victory.
This marks a historic moment: for the first time since 2009, when Greece claimed bronze in Poland, the team is back in the semifinals of a major tournament. It’s also their 10th appearance in the EuroBasket top four — a milestone for the country’s beloved “Ethniki.”
Next up: a clash with undefeated Turkey on Friday. Ergin Ataman’s team looked sharp earlier in the day, dispatching Poland with ease.
The other semifinal bracket will be set on Wednesday. The evening begins with a true underdog battle, as Finland takes on Georgia — two of the tournament’s surprise packages. Later, Germany faces Slovenia, led by superstar Luka Doncic. While Dennis Schroder and his teammates enter as favorites, nothing comes easy at this stage.
Quarterfinal Results
Tuesday, September 9
• Turkey 91 – Poland 77
• Lithuania 76 – Greece 87
Wednesday, September 10
• 5:00 p.m. Finland – Georgia
• 9:00 p.m. Germany – Slovenia
Semifinals – Friday, September 12
• Turkey vs Greece
• Winner of Finland–Georgia vs Winner of Germany–Slovenia
Finals – Sunday, September 14
• Bronze Medal Game
• Championship Game
