By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Slovenia advanced victoriously to the first EuroBasket final in their history, after beating Spain 92-72 . Spain might remain off the podium after 20 constant years of presence in the semifinals and 8 medals.
Spain will remain off the podium after 20 constant years of presence in the semifinals and 8 medals.
The stars: One cannot distinguish from Igor Kokoskov’s squad – Klemen Prepelic (13 pts), Luka Doncic (11 pts, 12 rebs, 8 as), Goran Dragic (15 pts), Anthony Randolph (15 pts) and a great rotation earned this historic win for Slovenia.
Long range shooting by Slovenia and Marc Gasol’s effect: In the opening period of the game, Slovenia found shooting from the 3-point line despite a numb start by Goran Dragic, who at 5′ bounced back to push his team to 9-6. Before the end of the period, Dragic buried a fast-break three to push the score to 25-19.
The decisive Prepelic: When Spain pushed back, a few shots came right in time by Prepelic, as the deficit was trimmed to 32-29 at 14′. Despite 2 shots by Doncic, Pau Gasol found score and Spain reduced to 2 points (40-38 at 17′). Slovenia kept the upper hand with 49-45 at halftime.
16-point lead for Slovenia: at 22′, Blazic scored for 53-42. Soon enough the deficit rose to double-digits. Pick-n-roll excellence kept Slovenia in charge with 73-57 after 30 minutes.
(Photo: FIBA)