TAMPERE (Finland) - Germany produced another dominant display to beat Finland 91-61 in front of a soldout crowd of 12,900 at the Tampere Deck Arena to finish flawless in Group B.
It makes it five from five for Germany as they just missed out becoming the first team to record 100+ points in five successive games at a single edition at EuroBasket.
Turning Point
Germany led from the opening tip, despite intense pressure from the hosts. Their class shone through in the latter stages of the second quarter, outscoring their counterparts 29-17 to lead 50-36 at the break.
Despite trailing by double figures, the hosts were by no means down. However, a two-handed slam from Franz Wagner in the first play of the third quarter maintained his side's stranglehold as they ran out of Finland's site and crossed the finish line unblemished.
TCL Player of the Game
Wagner has undoubtedly left his mark on Tampere, completing his Finnish adventure with a superb 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 20 minutes.
Dennis Schroder added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists for the victors. Olivier Nkamhoua led Finland with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Stats Don't Lie
Germany shot an impressive 57 percent at half-time compared to just 37 percent from their counterparts, and with the Germans undefeated in 25 games at FIBA EuroBasket when leading by 10 or more points at the half, Finland's mammoth task was intensified.
Sadly for Susijengi, the closest they got to Germany in the second half was 13 points
Bottom Line
Both teams had already sealed their passage into the Round of 16 in Riga. Germany's victory makes them group winners, while Finland settles for third in Group B.
Before the game, the crowd inside the arena waved red cards with the message "Stop Racism" in a show of solidarity after the two national anthems were played.
They Said
"We feel like we're getting better, today our defense was exceptional, i would say, and defense is one part of the game which will be crucial in the next round and in the next phase so we have to be solid on defense and do our job and offensively we have enough talent to score," - Alan Ibrahimagic, Germany assistant coach.
"We're just trying to win and do everything we can. Today I had a good game, had a couple of rebounds, but it's a team effort and I'm just trying to participate and to push the team," - Johannes Thiemann, Germany.
"Once again, an impressive game like they have been playing in past years, long story short, their physicality, how they entered the game, disturbing our offense and attacking our defense, and that's in one word," - Lassi Tuovi, Finland head coach.
"Even though we lost today by 30, they were there cheering all the time and were with us, and big respect to the best fans," - Sasu Salin, Finland.
For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!
FIBA