Greece leaned on their proven strategy of utilizing Giannis Antetokounmpo, and it paid off once more as they defeated Lithuania 87-76 in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Quarter-Finals, earning a place in their first Semi-Finals since 2009.
Antetokounmpo poured in 29 points, and Greece managed to withstand the raucous 10,487 fans at Arena Riga, most of whom were cheering for Lietuva.
After four unsuccessful Quarter-Final campaigns in the last five EuroBaskets, Greece finally broke through and will meet Türkiye for a spot in the Final.
Turning Point
Greece opened an early advantage with a flurry of three-pointers in an 11-2 run during the second quarter to make it 35-24. Lithuania responded with an 11-2 spurt of their own to narrow the gap to 39-38, leaving Greece up 44-38 at halftime.
Lithuania cut the deficit to three at 44-41, but Greece quickly extended their cushion to 51-41 and led 58-43 midway through the third.
Despite a brief Lithuanian rally that made it a nine-point game, Greece pushed the lead to 16 early in the fourth quarter. Lithuania got within eight points with 61 seconds left, but Greece held on to secure the win.
TCL Player of the Game
Giannis Antetokounmpo once again led the way for Greece, converting 9 of 15 shots and 11 of 16 free throws for 29 points, adding 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block.
Vasileios Toliopoulos contributed 17 points, including three triples, Kostas Sloukas added 11 points and 4 assists, and Kostas Antetokounmpo chipped in 4 points and 4 blocks.
Lithuania’s standout performance came from Jonas Valanciunas, who tallied 24 points and 15 rebounds, while Arnas Velicka posted 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Stats Don’t Lie
Greece dominated in transition, scoring 20 fast break points compared to Lithuania’s 4. They also shot an efficient 63 percent from two-point range.
Bottom Line
Greece is now just two wins away from a third EuroBasket title, following their championships in 1987 and 2005.
They will face Türkiye in the Semi-Finals, who defeated Poland in their Quarter-Final.
Vassilis Spanoulis’ squad is also chasing their first EuroBasket podium since the third-place finish in 2009.
Lithuania, meanwhile, leaves Riga reflecting on missed opportunities, despite reaching their first Quarter-Finals since 2015.
GREECE MARCH ON TO THE SEMI-FINALS 🇬🇷#EuroBasket
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 9, 2025
