Poland and Greece fight in Group A knockout; Georgia and Ukraine eye last Group B spot for Istanbul

HELSINKI (EuroBasket 2017) - Nerves will abound on the final Gameday in Group A and B with Poland and Greece meeting in a knockout game, while Georgia and Ukraine have their eye on a ticket to Istanbul. 

In Group A, Poland and Greece - who both sport 1-3 records - clash with the winner advancing to the Final Phase. A gallant Poland have endured consecutive heartbreaking losses but start slight favorites over an inconsistent Greece team, clearly missing superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"We need to be more calm. It's a final (against Poland on Wednesday)," Greece coach Kostas Missas said. "Poland is a good team, they play smart. From my experience, those (elimination) games are hard games. 100 percent. It is about who wants it more."

In Group B, Georgia control their destiny after a thrilling overtime victory over Israel on Tuesday night. If they beat Italy- who have qualified for the Final Phase - then they emerge from the Group Phase. However, if they lose then Ukraine can overtake them with a victory over Israel, who are out of the running and will be playing for pride in front of their fans.  

"We knew we had a critical game against Israel, the host team," Georgia coach Ilias Zouros said. "We have a very difficult game (against Italy). We know them well, they know us well. We hope to win and qualify."

In other Group B action, the winner of Germany and Lithuania - who both have 3-1 records - will top the group. Germany returned to their winning ways by overcoming Italy, while a confident Lithuania have won three straight. 

In other Group A action, unbeaten Slovenia can claim top spot with a victory over France, who also have their sights on winning the group after three consecutive victories.

After three straight nail biters, hosts Finland had a more comfortable affair over Greece and a victory over winless Iceland on Wednesday could see them finish second if results go their way.

FIBA