Luka Dončić scores 42 points to qualify Slovenia for quarterfinals against Italy

The Lakers star once again demonstrated his world-class talent by leading Slovenia to qualification for the EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinals. Despite an early fall on his right side just 36 seconds into the game, Dončić remained unfazed and quickly took control of the game.

A devastating first quarter to take control

The Slovenian point guard literally dominated the start of the game, scoring 10 points during a 15-2 run that allowed Slovenia to take a 15-4 lead. Thanks to their leader, the 2017 European champions even extended their lead to 19 points (32-13). After 10 minutes of play, Dončić already had 22 points, and Slovenia was comfortably ahead 29-11.

However, Italy showed the same character that had allowed them to upset Spain in the group phase after trailing by 13 points. The Azzurri came back to 45-38, then 50-40 at halftime. At the start of the second half, they scored the first four points to come within six, but Slovenia responded with a 9-0 run to restore their lead.

A breathtaking finish before victory

While Slovenia seemed in control with a 13-point lead (78-65) with six minutes remaining, Italy made an impressive 12-0 run to come within one point (78-77) with 1 minute and 40 seconds left on the clock. That’s when Dončić showed his expertise in drawing fouls. He remained cool by making four consecutive free throws to seal the 84-77 victory.

Dončić’s performance will go down in history: 42 points on 11/19 shooting (5/11 from 3-point range, 15/16 from the line), 10 rebounds and 3 steals. This was his fourth 30+ point game in the tournament, a feat only achieved by Nikos Galis in 1989 with five games. Klemen Prepelič added 11 points while Alen Omić contributed 7 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. For Italy, Simone Fontecchio finished as top scorer with 22 points.

Slovenia will now face reigning world champions Germany in the quarterfinals. This qualification marks the eighth time in nine editions that Slovenia has reached this stage of the competition, confirming their fourth consecutive victory against Italy.