Doncic-led Slovenia punches FIBA EuroBasket Round of 16 ticket

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Luka Doncic and Slovenia escaped a rough 0-2 start and regrouped when it mattered the most.

After back-to-back losses to Poland and France, the Slovenians found their form midway through the tournament, beating Iceland 87-79 to secure a Round of 16 spot in the ongoing FIBA EuroBasket tournament on Sept. 2, 2025.

Slovenia is currently on a two-game winning streak, having defeated Belgium in their third scheduled game 86-69, which officially ended their slump.

Unlike their one-sided win over Belgium, the Slovenians had to dig deep and play four consistent quarters to fend off the come-from-behind attempt from Iceland.

Slovenia led by as much as 14 points, 60-46, but Iceland provided a scare in the fourth quarter when it inched closer to within five points, 70-65.

Just when Iceland thought it could sustain its firepower, Doncic officially ended its chances after controlling the pace of the game with his tremendous court vision.

Doncic took advantage of Iceland’s sloppy double-teams on him, kicking out early extra dishes to his open corner shooters that helped Slovenia protect its lead until the final buzzer.

Receiving one of Doncic’s on-point assists was Gregor Hrovat, who sealed the win with a corner triple with only 45 seconds left in the fourth.

Doncic received another TCL Player of the Game award after leading Slovenia with an all-around effort of 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

“We just needed patience,” said Slovenia’s Edo Muric after the win.

“When we started playing at a slower pace, the game came to us. It was far from an easy game, respect to Iceland and to their fans.”

Slovenia will look to rack up its third consecutive win today, as it faces Israel, which gave France its first tournament defeat two days ago.