EuroBasket 2017: Slovenia wins historic gold

History has been made and Slovenia is the EuroBasket 2017 champions after slaying rival Serbia in the gold medal game. It is safe to say, Slovenia is an unlikely champion as this was the nation’s first final and first international tournament win since becoming independent. The history of Serbia and Slovenia goes back a long way (read more about it in our special report), but this was the country moving into a new era.

Slovenia won EuroBasket 2017 without losing a game, and showed its class in the final. A 93-85 victory highlighted the excellent offensive game demonstrated by the Slovenians this past two weeks. The team also weathered the loss of Luka Doncic through a halftime injury to take the win.

Slovenia vs. Serbia, 93-85

Serbia started well, but the first quarter saw both teams trade buckets. However, the Serb team edged the frame to lead 20-22 after ten minutes. Slovenia erupted in the second quarter and drained 36 points. Serbia was still scoring well with 25 points but was blown away at the other end. Through the long break, Slovenia opened a 56-47 lead.

During halftime, Serbia regathered and emerged in decent shape. Indeed, the Serb players kept consistent with 20 points, while the Slovenians struggled with just 15 points. Through thirty minutes, the lead had been cut to 71-67, but Slovenia held an all-important 4-point advantage. That gap proved pivotal in the final act as Slovenia extended its lead to victory.

Doncic was brought off injured at halftime and had only scored 8 points. Goran Dragic picked up the mantle of talisman and drove the champs with 35 points and 7 rebounds. Klemen Prepelic secured 21 points in the success.

Bogdan Bogdanovic wrapped his excellent tournament on a personal high with 22 points to pace Serbia, while Milan Macvan dropped 18 points.