Slovenia stun champs Spain to reach first-ever Final

ISTANBUL (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - A brilliant second-half by Slovenia stunned champions Spain in a dominant 92-72 Semi-Final victory to reach their first-ever FIBA EuroBasket Final. 

Turning point: The game was up for grabs at half-time but Slovenia came out of the long break with energy. Jaka Blazic started it all with a couple of layups in transition as Slovenia quickly scored the first 6 points to lead by double figures. Spain never got close again. 

Stats-don't-lie: Slovenia was lights out from three from the get go and didn't let up, nailing 14-of-25, while a cold-shooting Spain could only muster 7-of-27. 

Game hero: Luka Doncic, the 18-year-old prodigy, just keeps getting better. His shot wasn't falling but Doncic still completely controlled the game. His play-making wizardry came to the fore, allowing Dragic to get rest and conserve energy for the last quarter. Doncic was also a beast on the boards as he impressively overpowered the bigger Spaniards. Quite clearly, Doncic loves the moment and the big stage of the Final is awaiting. 

They said: "This was a great game for our nation, for all the kids who are gonna wear Doncic, Dragic, Vidmar jerseys back at home. We are going to enjoy this win because we worked hard to be here. All credit goes to the players, all summer long. I am speechless." - Slovenia coach Igor Kokoskov. 

"He has the potential to become even more dominant in time." - Pau Gasol speaking about Luka Doncic, the 18-year-old Slovenian sensation. 

Highlights

After leading by just 4 points at half-time, with the game between the two undefeated teams poised to go down to the wire, Slovenia came out of the break hot, running Spain off their feet. They broke out into transition at nearly every opportunity and were also lethal from three. 

Slovenia pulled away during the dominant third quarter and were never seriously threatened in the last quarter.  Doncic was superb with 11 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists, while Dragic scored 7 of his 15 points in the last quarter. Pau Gasol tried hard for Spain with 16 points and 6 rebounds. 

Regardless of what happens, Slovenia will have a maiden podium finish and a potential fairy tale ending for Dragic. While, Spain will be hoping for the consolation of bronze after their 13-game FIBA EuroBasket streak ended. 

FIBA