Doncic-Tobey connection power Slovenia into Final

KAUNAS (Lithuania) - Slovenia are now just one win away from a historic place at the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament after they defeated Venezuela 98-70 in the first of the Semi-Finals.

The Luka Doncic and Mike Tobey connection was in full flow as the duo combined for 50 points to help their side continue their momentum by reaching the Final.

Turning point: Doncic had his handprints all over a 9-0 run in the first with five points following nice finds for his teammates as Slovenia moved ahead, 17-6. Venezuela  prevented the lead from getting out of control as they were within seven points at the half, but Slovenia regained the ascendancy in the third and were soon raced their advantage out of reach.

Game heroes: Doncic was one rebound shy of the first triple-double in this tournament after posting 23 points, 13 assists and 9 boards. Tobey was one of the main beneficiaries of those assists and put up a big double-double of his own with 27 points and 12 rebounds in the victory.

Stats don't lie: Slovenia were rewarded for their aggressiveness on the offensive end and had already attempted 19 free throws by the half-time break. They were also dominant in the battle of the boards, 50-31.

Bottom line: Onto the final go Slovenia. The winning margin was not as emphatic as previous victories in the Group Phase but they were never really in trouble throughout. The Doncic-Tobey connection could be hugely important on Sunday, particularly if they end up playing Lithuania in the Final. Venezuela can be proud of their efforts, it just proved a step too far.

They said:

FIBA