Bosnia and Herzegovina booked their place in the EuroBasket 2025 Round of 16 with an 84-76 victory over Georgia on Thursday, ending a 32-year drought.
The national team last advanced from the group stage in 1993, when they finished eighth. This time, a 3-2 record in Group C was enough to secure qualification in Limassol, Cyprus.
Bosnia and Herzegovina never trailed in the matchup. After taking a 24-20 lead early in the second quarter, they broke away with a 9-2 run and extended their advantage to 33-22.
The Dragons built their lead to 15 points at 56-41, but Georgia fought back to close within 65-60 late in the third quarter. A further push cut the deficit to 73-71 with under five minutes remaining.
John Roberson and Aleksandar Lazic then hit consecutive three-pointers, giving Bosnia and Herzegovina breathing room at 80-71. Georgia could not respond, and the win was secured.
Jusuf Nurkic anchored the team with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Portland Trail Blazers center dominated inside and provided a steady presence throughout.
Roberson matched Nurkic with 15 points, hitting four shots from beyond the arc and adding 5 assists. Lazic contributed 13 points on efficient 5-of-7 shooting, while Kenan Kamenjas scored 9 and Edin Atic chipped in 11 points, 7 assists, and 2 blocks.
Georgia’s top performers were Kamar Baldwin, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Goga Bitadze, who combined for 53 points and 17 rebounds. Their production kept the contest close until the final minutes.
Despite the defeat, Georgia remain in contention for the knockout stage depending on the outcome of Spain’s matchup with Greece. A Spanish loss would push Georgia through.
