Tuesday Review: Slovenia reach Semi-Finals after thrilling win over Latvia; Spain advance once again

ISTANBUL (EuroBasket 2017) - Slovenia reached the Semi-Finals after after a thrilling 103-97 victory over Latvia in an epic Quarter-Final to setup a showdown with defending champions Spain. 

In the game of the tournament, one that absolutely lived up to the hype, Slovenia seemed to have the game wrapped up leading by 13 points early in the fourth quarter. But Latvia stormed back into the contest through the brilliance of Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 16 of his 34 points in the fourth to get Latvia within 1 point with 2 minutes left. 

However, Latvia hung on with teen sensation Luka Doncic relishing the big stage with 27 points and 9 rebounds, while captain Goran Dragic had 26 points and 8 assists. Doncic showed maturity beyond his years with several clutch shots in another fine all-round performance. 

Sloevnia big man Anthony Randolph was ejected in the dying stages, while Porzingis fouled out with seconds left in a sad way to end a memorable tournament from the 22-year-old phenomenon. 

"That's why he is the best at his age," Dragic said of Doncic in the press conference. "He's only 18 years of age but he plays with such calmness. People back home are really happy we have him. I'm his roommate...don't get me wrong, he's still a kid. He watches cartoons, he watches Friends but he's unbelievable and we are lucky to have him."

In the other Quarter-Final, a brilliant third quarter from Marc Gasol inspired reigning champions Spain to a 84-72 victory over Germany and their 10th consecutive Semi-Final. 

After a tight start, with Spain leading by just one point at half-time, Gasol broke the game open with an 18-point third quarter to give Spain a 12-point lead after three and they cruised from there. 

He finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and was well supported by brother Pau Gasol, who had 19 points. Dennis Schroder led Germany with 27 points and 8 assists but had 7 turnovers. 

"Once you get in a rhythm the goal gets a lot bigger and you get really locked in," Gasol said in the press conference. "You get tunnel vision. I'm happy, I always wanted to play good for all these guys. All of us here want to do well for our teammates more than ourselves."

FIBA