Luka Dončić scores 42 points to qualify Slovenia for quarters against Italy
Luka Dončić once again demonstrated his world-class talent by leading Slovenia to qualify for the EuroBasket 2025 quarter-finals. Despite an early fall on his right side after just 36 seconds of play, the Lakers star didn’t let it affect him 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 the lead 15-4. 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.
Luka Magic ERUPTS for 42 PTS & 10 REB to lead Slovenia past Italy and advance to the #EuroBasket Quarter-Finals! pic.twitter.com/xkdq4Bjrfp
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2025
Italy showed the same character that had allowed them to overturn 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 points, but Slovenia responded with a 9-0 run to regain distance.
A breathtaking finish before victory
While Slovenia seemed in control with a 13-point lead (78-65) with six minutes remaining, Italy put together 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 all his expertise in drawing fouls. He didn’t falter, 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 free throws), 10 rebounds and 3 steals. This is his fourth 30+ point game in this tournament, a feat only Nikos Galis had achieved 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.
Doncic dropped 30 points in the first half. HISTORIC.#EuroBasket | #MakeYourMark pic.twitter.com/9xAY0pfNYR
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2025
Slovenia will now face reigning world champions Germany in the quarter-finals. 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.
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