MUNICH (Germany) - A fruitful Friday offered plenty of sold out arenas, highlight plays and close games across Europe. There is now only one gameday remaining in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, with only four tickets still available for the Final Round.
France survive in Zadar
France remained unbeaten, and had to go through one of the most hostile environments to protect their perfect record in Croatia. Mario Hezonja's 37 points and 11 rebounds inspired a late comeback attempt in Zadar, but France remained calm, claiming an 83-80 win.
That defeat also meant Croatia will miss out on their first EuroBasket. Two-time podium finishers, Croatia last made the Semi-Finals in 2013, but at 2-3 they cannot advance to the Final Round in 2025, as Bosnia and Herzegovina own the tiebreaker over their neighbors.
Great Britain pull Czechia through
In Group F, Greece were forced to work overtime on the road in Czechia, winning the game 93-89, and forcing a few tense moments for the hosts. However, the idea of potentially missing out on a EuroBasket spot was quickly erased, as Great Britain saved the day for Czechia.
With their 73-69 road win over the Netherlands, Team GB locked the final standings in this group, meaning Greece, Great Britain and Czechia advanced, while the Netherlands are eliminated.
Georgia advance, Serbia at 5-0
In Group G, Serbia's perfect record was on the line in Finland, as the FIBA EuroBasket hosts put up 95 points on the day. But it takes more than that to take down Svetislav Pesic's men, who scored 105 themselves and moved to 5-0.
Georgia joined Finland and Serbia as another qualified team from this group, taking down Denmark in a direct battle for qualification.
Estonia get things done at home
With head-to-head records in play, Estonia found themselves leading the group, but still not qualified ahead of the last two games, while second-placed Lithuania and hosts Poland had their tickets punched.
But there was no doubt on Friday, as Estonia played a masterful second half to take down North Macedonia 84-65, eliminating their opponents from contention and booking their tickets to the main draw.
In the other game in this group, Lithuania blew out Poland on the road 82-48.
Portugal advance despite a defeat
In Group A, Portugal got good news even before their game tipped off against Israel. Slovenia's 84-71 win over Ukraine meant that Ukraine dropped to 0-5, finishing behind the other three teams no matter what happens on Gameday 6.
Israel did defeat Portugal 84-78, matching Slovenia's 4-1 record ahead of the last game.
Who can still qualify?
FIBA