By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Succeeding in retaining hope to top 2022 EuroBasket Group B, Slovenia took down Germany, 88-80, Tuesday night.
Entering Gameday 4 averaging 16.7 points per game, Luka Doncic erupted for 36 points and grabbed ten rebounds. The Dallas Mavericks superstar was 2/8 from beyond the arc but made 12/17 two-pointers. Nearing his personal best at the international level, he fired in 11 of his points in the last ten minutes keeping his side at a safe distance and a late block on Dennis Schroder sealed the deal. Initially standing at 14 points, the lead was reduced to five points down the stretch.
Goran Dragic put in 18 points. In contrast to the valuable contribution of the new addition to the Chicago Bulls, Vlatko Cancar of the Denver Nuggets was held to 0/5 from the field and two points in a rough shooting night for multiple players at Cologne’s Lanxess Arena.
On the losing end, captain Schroder stood out with a team-high 19 points and Andreas Obst scored 14 points. Dealing with foul trouble, Daniel Theis of the Indiana Pacers registered eight points, while Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic threw in eight more points.
Three-team race
The team guided by Aleksander Sekulic matched Germany at 3-1 creating a three-way tie including France as well. Wrapping up the round-robin schedule, Slovenia will collide with the Blues and the group hosts will follow by facing knocked-out Hungary tomorrow.
Slovenia would end up in the top seed with a fourth win, regardless of the outcome of the other game. France potentially slowing down Doncic and teammates would generate a second straight opportunity for Germany to win the group.
In addition, Lithuania and Bosnia-Herzegovina will battle for a berth in the Round of 16 in the opener of Wednesday’s schedule.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL