Reigning champs Slovenia, Ukraine celebrate EuroBasket berths

LJUBLJANA (Slovenia) - Reigning FIBA EuroBasket champions Slovenia celebrated without even breaking a sweat as they locked up a ticket for the Final Round thanks to Ukraine's victory over Austria, which saw Ukraine qualify for the continental championship as well.

Slovenia had done their part a day earlier by knocking off Austria 77-64 to improve to 3-1 in Group F as they look forward to a chance to defend their crown from 2017. But the Slovenians needed a Ukraine triumph over the Austrians to go into the final window having already secured a spot in the 2022 tournament.

Jaka Blazic's 16 points paced three players in double figures for Slovenia, who remained in fine form in this window as they look to forget missing out on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and focus on becoming the first repeat European champion since Spain in 2009 and 2011.

 
Slovenia have never failed to qualify for EuroBasket since their independence and will be playing in the tournament for the 14th straight time. Ukraine for their part are making their fifth consecutive appearance in Europe's biggest showcase.

In a 70-67 win over Austria, Ukraine were paced by Olexandr Mishula's 20 points but a nightmarish 27 turnovers never let them pull away from the Austrians - with nine points being the biggest lead despite winning the rebound battle 39-25.

Ukraine survived the battle with the Austrians to improve to 2-2 in the group while idle Hungary are 2-0 and Austria dropped to 0-4 following the action in Ljubljana.

FIBA