RIGA (Latvia) - Luka Doncic showcased some more of his magic with 42 points in Slovenia's 84-77 nail-biting victory over Italy in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Round of 16.
The 2017 EuroBasket champs Slovenia nearly blew a 19-point lead but rode Doncic to their fourth straight win over Italy and a 9-2 mark all-time. The last loss to Italy came at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2006.
Turning Point
Doncic took a hard fall onto his right side just 36 seconds into the game. But the Slovenia star was unfazed and totalled 10 points in a 15-2 run for a 15-4 advantage. Thanks to their leader, Slovenia extended their cushion to 19 points at 32-13.
Italy showed the fight and determination that allowed them to come back from 13 points down to beat Spain in the group stage. They trimmed the gap to 45-38 and were down 50-40 at intermission. The Italians scored the first four points of the first second half to make it a six-point game.
Slovenia answered with the next nine points for a 15 point cushion, and the lead was 78-65 with 6 minutes to play. Italy responded with the next 12 points to give Slovenia a scare down just 78-77 with 100 seconds remaining.
Doncic responded with four free throws down the stretch to ice the game.
TCL Player of the Game
Doncic has been the most dominant force this tournament with one triple-double and just missing a second in addition to leading the event in efficiency, scoring and steals. Italy had zero answers for Doncic, who did whatever he wanted all game, especially in the first half with 22 points in first quarter and 30 at the break.
He ended the game with 42 points - five points off his EuroBasket record of 47 points against France at EuroBasket 2022. He made 11 of 19 shots - including 5 of 11 from long range - and 15 out of 16 free throws while also contributing 10 rebounds and 3 steals.
This was Doncic's fourth game with 30+ points at the EuroBasket 2025. The last player to have had more such games in a single European tournament was Nikos Galis with five in 1989.
Klemen Prepelic contributed 11 points and Alen Omic collected 7 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Simone Fontecchio led Italy with 22 points.
Stats Don't Lie
Slovenia took care of the boards 40 to 32, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds for 16 second chance points.
Bottom Line
Slovenia are into the Quarter-Finals for the eighth time in the last nine editions and will next square off against reigning world champs Germany. Italy meanwhile saw their steak of Quarter-Finals appearances snapped at four tournaments.
They Said
"We knew before the game that Italy is one of the best teams in Europe. They showed that in the group stage when they almost finished first. So we knew it was going to be a tough game. It was unrealistic that we would play the whole game like we did the first quarter. When they tried to come back we stuck together and played one of the best defensive games this tournament." - Gregor Hrovat, Slovenia
"Luka is the engine of our team. He is an NBA All-Star and superstar. I have no words for him. But today we played together on defense to get the win." - Rok Radovic, Slovania
"We wouldn't have needed a comeback if we started a little bit better. That is the main thing. We fought and tried until the end. But when a player like that (Doncic) gets confidence like that in the first 5-10 minutes. It's harder." - Simone Fontecchio, Italy
This game report will be updated in the coming moments. Stay tuned.
For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!
FIBA