Portugal scores first FIBA EuroBasket win in 18 years

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

What a day for Portuguese basketball.

On Aug. 27, 2025, Portugal broke an 18-year winless streak in the FIBA EuroBasket, stunning Czechia, 62-50.

Portugal last secured a EuroBasket win in 2007, when it defeated Israel, 94-85.

Since then, the national team had endured more than a decade of frustration marked by blowout losses to neighboring nations.

But the narrative changed on opening night of the FIBA-sanctioned tournament — Portugal is no longer an easy matchup.

In a game where most expected the Czechs to dominate, the Portuguese squad responded with urgency and delivered a signature underdog victory.

Leading the way was Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta, who powered Portugal with a dominant double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds.

Queta overwhelmed Czechia’s interior defense with pinpoint post moves, efficient jumpers and sweeping hooks.

He shot 11-of-15 from the field, including a dagger three-pointer in the fourth quarter that sealed the win.

On defense, Queta was just as impactful, recording four blocks and two steals to anchor Portugal’s interior.

Czechia struggled to find clean looks as Portugal executed quick baseline help and clogged the lanes to shut down backdoor plays.

Portugal built its largest lead at 14 points, sparked by a momentum-shifting 11-0 run that drained Czechia’s energy late in the game.

Rafael Lisboa backed Queta with 15 points, including three three-pointers, while Travante Williams chipped in 10 points, five rebounds and five steals.

Portugal will try to sustain its strong EuroBasket run on Aug. 30 against Nikola Jokic and top-ranked Serbia.