Check out the EuroLeague players who shined in FIBA play on Monday night.

FIBA Continental Qualifiers roundup: February 24

### EuroBasket Qualifiers 2025

#### Cyprus 67-104 Croatia

[Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) forward [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) warmed up for Thursday's *Clásico* in style by posting 40 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 1 block in a dominant victory for Croatia. Hezonja's nation was already eliminated from contention for EuroBasket 2025, but his forceful performance – in which he played 35:20 minutes – ends Croatia's qualification campaign on a high.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📊 40 PTS 11 REB 7 AST<br><br>Hats off to <a href="https://twitter.com/mariohezonja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mariohezonja</a> who always gives his 100% for his Croatia 🇭🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMark</a> <a href="https://t.co/9T6szzkqwW">pic.twitter.com/9T6szzkqwW</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1894097170455838826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

#### North Macedonia 88-74 Poland

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/)'s [Neno Dimitrijevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neno-dimitrijevic/006085/) and [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/)'s [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) combined for 34 points and 12 assists as North Macedonia grabbed its second win in EuroBasket 2025 qualification, but the nation – as was also the case with Poland – was already eliminated coming into this game. Shorts finished with 23 points, 5 assists and 1 steal, while Dimitrijevic posted 11 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 steal.

#### Lithuania 82-75 Estonia

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz's [Sander Raieste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sander-raieste/008850/) played nine minutes in Estonia's defeat.

#### Israel 84-74 Slovenia

Israel finished top of Group A with a 5-1 record by usurping Slovenia on Monday night, with [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/)'s [Rafi Menco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rafi-menco/004233/) scoring 15 points, the second most of any Israeli player. He also added 2 rebounds.

#### Denmark 77-83 Finland

Paris big man [Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/) had an important role in Finland's victory by helping his team in a number of areas, posting 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Denmark pair [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/) of [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) and [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) of Milan were two of their team's four double-digit scorers, netting 19 and 11 points, respectively. They also combined for 13 rebounds and 8 assists. Finland already knew it would be at EuroBasket 2025 courtesy of being one of the hosts, while Denmark had already been eliminated heading into this game.

#### Serbia 63-54 Georgia

Partizan trio [Balsa Koprivica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/balsa-koprivica/011050/), [Arijan Lakic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/arijan-lakic/007736/) and [Mario Nakic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mario-nakic/007632/) had telling contributions for Serbia, contributing a combined 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in the victory. Serbia's triumph means it finishes its group-stage campaign with a perfect 6-0 record.

#### Greece 63-53 Netherlands

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) guard [Giannoulis Larentzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/giannoulis-larentzakis/010392/) led the way for Greece as his nation secured a first-place finish in Group F, pouring in a team-high and joint game-high 14 points. [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) duo [Ioannis Papapetrou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ioannis-papapetrou/005161/) and [Panagiotis Kalaitzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/panagiotis-kalaitzakis/011209/) contributed 9 and 5 points, respectively.

#### France 76-74 Bosnia

Seven Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players – [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/), [Petr Cornelie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/petr-cornelie/004790/), [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/), [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/), [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/), [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/) and [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) – were in action for France as it narrowly defeated a Bosnia team without [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) on Monday night. France trailed 51-57 at the end of the third quarter and 65-70 with 4 minutes to play, but a 9-0 run gave it a 74-70 edge. Bosnia managed to tie the game at 74-74, but Okobo's game-winning pull-up jumper gave France the victory. Monaco's Strazel was France's joint top scorer with 15 points, level with [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/), a Monaco player on loan at Turk Telekom Ankara. Okobo and Luwawu-Cabarrot also finished in double digits in scoring with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ELLIE OKOBO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TissotBuzzerBeater?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TissotBuzzerBeater</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/jC8sC0G54I">pic.twitter.com/jC8sC0G54I</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1894149637310644527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### AmeriCup Qualifiers 2025

#### Mexico vs. Canada (02:00 CET)

**EuroLeague players in action:** Isiaha Mike

Check out the EuroLeague players who shined in FIBA play on Monday night (PHOTO: FIBA)

Continental Qualifiers roundup: Dramatic victory for France; Hezonja, Shorts, Jantunen shine in wins

Serbia booked its ticket for EuroBasket 2025 during the last international break in November, and France did the same after the fifth group-stage game a few days ago. On Monday night, both nations finished a perfect 6-0 after wins over Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serbia, France end qualification campaigns with perfect records

Serbia booked its ticket for EuroBasket 2025 during the last international break in November, and France did the same after the fifth group-stage game a few days ago. On Monday night it would have been easy for the two powerhouses to down tools, but that’s not how they roll.

Latvia’s win in Slovakia on Sunday night ensured it was the first nation to finish the group stage with a perfect 6-0 record, but Monday night saw Serbia and France follow suit by beating Georgia (63-54) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (76-74), respectively.

Curiously, Serbia rested [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) duo [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) and [Dejan Davidovac](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dejan-davidovac/007960/) for the final game of EuroBasket 2025 qualification, but France went with the same 12-man group who beat Croatia just a couple of days before.

Serbia made hard work of its win against Georgia, finding itself 13-17 behind at the end of the first quarter and trailing 27-31 at halftime. However, a strong second half resulted in Serbia outscoring Georgia 36-23 to grab the victory and finish its group-stage campaign with a perfect record. [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) trio [Arijan Lakic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/arijan-lakic/007736/), [Mario Nakic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mario-nakic/007632/) and [Balsa Koprivica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/balsa-koprivica/011050/) had a combined 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists,

Likewise, France was down 18-21 against Bosnia and Herzegovina after 10 minutes, with [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/)’s [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) netting 6 points. Even if Bosnia, which was already qualified, opted to give [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) star [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) the night off, it knew beating the runner-up from the Olympic Games would be some achievement. A shock looked to be on the cards as a France team featuring seven current Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players was losing 51-57 at the end of the third period and 65-70 with 4 minutes to play.

A triple by Strazel and a fast-break score by [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/)’s [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) tied it up at 70-70, then [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/), on loan at [Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/) from Monaco, and Monaco’s [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) scored to complete a 9-0 run and give France a 74-70 advantage. Bosnia knotted the game at 74-74, but a game-winning pull-up jumper by Okobo gave France the win.

When EuroBasket 2025 comes around at the end of August, both Serbia and France will be among the candidates to go all the way, particularly as they will be able to call upon even more talent. There’s still a way to go yet, but going 6-0 in the qualification phase shows that they remain two of the main contenders to become European champions.  

Latvia was the only other team to go 6-0 (PHOTO: FIBA)

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips ahead of Round 27

Fantasy tips, Round 27: We're back in business!

The February break is over and the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns with three months of action, drama, thrills and great basketball. There are still plenty of rounds remaining in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge and as a bonus, there are unlimited trades before Round 27. There are a lot of good opportunities out there. Here are my five recommendations this week:

 

[Dzanan Musa, Real Madrid (11.7 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/)

Musa comes off a fantastic game with his national team which could be a turning point for him. With Kevin Punter sidelined and Dario Brizuela not 100%, Musa has a golden opportunity to play a big role in El Clasico, at home, in what already is a critical game for both teams. I expect a lot from him in Round 27.

[Nico Mannion, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (8.3 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/niccolo-mannion/011064/)

Mannion has been terrific lately and had his best game of the season before the break with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for a PIR of 27 against Zalgiris. Leo Bolmaro is injured, which should mean even more playing time for Mannion at the exact moment in which things are going his way. All for 8.3 credits!

Niccolo Mannion, Kostas Sloukas, Dzanan Musa, Joel Bolomboy and Sylvain Francisco are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 27

[Kostas Sloukas, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (13.6 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/)

From now on, every game is more important than the previous one and Sloukas knows all about the competition. He is playing his best basketball at the right time, averaging 19.3 points on 11-of-19 three-point shooting, 6.0 assists and just 1.3 turnovers for a PIR average of 26.3. The Greens' superstar guard is stepping up!

[Joel Bolomboy, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (13.4 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/)

There are not many reliable options at the center position, so I recommend taking advantage of unlimited trades and getting Bolomboy, who has been posting solid numbers night in and night out. Over the last three games, Bolomboy has averaged 8.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks for a PIR of 18.4. Rock-solid numbers to balance your team!

[Sylvain Francisco, Zalgiris Kaunas (13.1 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/)

Lonnie Walker left, which means Francisco should see more playing time, responsibilities and freedom to make decisions. He was already playing really in recent weeks. Francisco had 33 points and a PIR of 36 in Round 24 against Bayern and 29 points and a PIR of 27 in Round 26 against Milan. Outstanding! 

### EuroBasket Qualifiers 2025

#### Spain 59-52 Belgium

Spain used a balanced attack to stop Belgium 59-52 in a low-scoring game that saw it finish second in Group C with a 3-3 record, the same as Belgium, which placed third. Valencia Basket guard Xabi Lopez-Arosteguj led Spain with 13 points, Hugo Gonzalez of Real Madrid netted 9 and FC Barcelona's Joel Parra added 7. Belgium led by 3 at halftime and maintained a slim advantage for much of the third quarter before Spain finished the quarter on a 13-5 run to take the lead for good.  

#### Germany 94-85 Bulgaria

Germany clinched its ticket to EuroBasket 2025 with a 94-85 victory over Bulgaria. After leading by 27 at halftime, Germany allowed Bulgaria to rally in the second half, eventually closing within 5 with 3 minutes remaining before Germany slammed the door. Andreas Obst of FC Bayern Munich knocked down 3 three-pointers in scoring 12 points and Daniel Theis of AS Monaco also scored 12 as part of a balanced attack in which all 12 Germany players scored at least twice.

#### Slovakia 68-89 Latvia

Latvia wrapped up a perfect record in Group C after defeating Slovakia 68-89. The visitors never trailed after the opening minutes and led by as many as 29. While Karlis Silins paced the winner with 19 points, former EuroLeague sharpshooter Dairis Bertans added 11 points and Andrejs Grazulis of Virtus Segafredo Bologna scored 8, including this dunk 👇.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don&#39;t know about y&#39;all, but I love a good old pick &amp; roll! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbols?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@basketbols</a> 🇱🇻 <a href="https://t.co/3X6zbLOIdw">pic.twitter.com/3X6zbLOIdw</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1893697685372183015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

#### Italy 67-71 Hungary

Hungary finished its qualifying run with a 67-71 road win at Italy, but it wasn’t enough to advance. Hungary finished with a 2-4 record in Group B, while Italy, which had already clinched the top spot in the group, fell to 4-2. Zoltan Perl paced the winners with 20 points. Nicola Akele of Virtus Segafredo Bologna led Italy with 17 points, Matteo Spagnolo of ALBA Berlin tallied 14 points and 5 assists, Giordano Bortolani of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan scored 13 and Virtus center Mouhamet Diouf 11.

#### Iceland 83-71 Turkiye

Martin Hermannsson of ALBA Berlin roared with 23 points, 4 assists and 2 steals to lead Iceland to an 83-71 victory over Turkiye that secured its place at EuroBasket 2025. Hermannsson went off for 10 points and 2 assists in the first quarter alone to give Iceland a 26-16 lead after 10 minutes. The margin reached 16 in the second quarter and remained in double figures for much of the second half as Iceland improved to 3-3 in Group B. Onuralp Bitim of FC Bayern Munich scored 13 points for Turkiye, Ercan Osmani of Anadolu Efes Istanbul added 12 points and Furkan Haltali of Bahcesehir College Istanbul contributed 10 points in defeat.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE VIKINGS ARE COMING! 🇮🇸<br><br>ICELAND ARE HEADING TO <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUROBASKET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUROBASKET</a> 2025! <a href="https://t.co/ICU4w4PuiK">pic.twitter.com/ICU4w4PuiK</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1893768599199756537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers

#### Angola 73-62 Tunisia

Angola made it back-to-back wins to finish Group E in second place after topping first-place Tunisia 73-62. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul center Jilson Bango led all Angola players in minutes played (35:13) while posting 9 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Childe Dundao scored 31 points for Angola, which trailed by 1 entering the fourth quarter. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse big man Kevin Kokila scored the first two baskets of the fourth to give Angola the lead for good and Dundao made sure it stood up.

#### Cameroon 76-83 Senegal

Senegal completed a perfect run through Group C with a 76-83 overtime victory over second-placed Cameroon, which finished with a 4-2 mark – its only losses coming at the hands of Senegal. Brancou Badio of Valencia Basket shined for the winners with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists – including 6 points and an assist in the extra session. Baskonia big man Ousmane Ndiaye added 13 points for Senegal, including this 👇 clutch three.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇸🇳 Ousmane Ndiaye from waaaay downtown in the clutch! 🫡🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfroBasket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qualifiers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qualifiers</a> <a href="https://t.co/lsggzI5KJp">pic.twitter.com/lsggzI5KJp</a></p>&mdash; FIBA #AfroBasket (@AfroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/AfroBasket/status/1893708081986490700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers

#### Venezuela 73-72 Chile

Chile knew it needed a win to give itself a chance at reaching AmeriCup 2025, but Paris Basketball's Sebastian Herrera and his teammates were unable to get the job done as they fell to a narrow defeat. Herrera finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Venezuela outscored Chile in each of the first three quarters, but a strong finish by Herrera and co. sent the game to overtime at 63-63. It was Venezuela which started the extra session in better shape, leading 72-67, as it eventually held off Chile to grab the win and secure its place at AmeriCup 2025.

#### Colombia 82-98 Argentina

With Argentina already qualified for AmeriCup 2025, Real Madrid star Facundo Campazzo was given the night off. Still, his team coasted to a comfortable victory.

Check out the EuroLeague players who shined in FIBA play on Sunday (PHOTO: FIBA)

Continental Qualifiers roundup: EuroLeaguers lead Iceland, Spain, Germany to wins 

Less than a week after his signing with AS Monaco and in his first game in nearly a month, Daniel Theis got the rust off in helping Germany to a 94-85 victory over Bulgaria on Sunday in Bamberg, Germany

Daniel Theis marked his return to European hoops with Germany win

Less than a week after his signing with AS Monaco and in his first game in nearly a month, [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/) got the rust off in helping Germany to a 94-85 victory over Bulgaria on Sunday in Bamberg, Germany, the city where he last played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Theis tallied 12 points and 3 rebounds in 19:42 minutes to help Germany clinch a berth at EuroBasket 2025.

Theis was tied for second on the team in scoring and tied for the team lead with a PIR of 13. He made all 3 of his two-point shots and knocked down his only three while converting 3 of 4 free throws. Theis also contributed an assist and a steal.

It was good news for Monaco, which will now focus on working the big man into its plans down the stretch of the EuroLeague season.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">✅️ L&#39;Allemagne de Daniel Theis valide à son tour la qualif&#39; à l&#39;Eurobasket 🇩🇪<br><br>💪 Avec 12 points, 3 rebonds et 3 passes pour notre intérieur ! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/O0FDrPVkcB">https://t.co/O0FDrPVkcB</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1893740034257240106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Theis's last game before Sunday was on January 29, when he played for the New Orleans Hornets on the road at the Dallas Mavericks. It would be the last of his 452 games over eight seasons in the NBA. He was traded the following week to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who then released Theis. The big men entertained offers on both sides of the Atlantic before deciding to sign with Monaco.

The French League champions are surely please to see Theis back in action and making an impact. He entered Sunday's game midway through the first quarter with Germany trailing 10-13. He had a key role in his team taking over with a dunk and an assist in a 16-0 run as Germany raced to a 28-21 lead after 10 minutes. He added a put-back early in the second quarter and 2 free throws late in the half as Germany cemented the lead, 62-35 at the break.

After scoring 5 more points in the third quarter, Theis was on the floor late when Bulgaria rallied. His offensive rebound, foul drawn and free throw in the final minute helped Germany put the game on ice. And showed the spirit Monaco will hope to see when they visit EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Thursday.

The AS Monaco big man provided a handful of key plays in Sunday's win (photo FIBA.com)

As the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season heads towards the home straight, making shots from long range could be key for teams as they make their final postseason push. And if we look over the last five rounds, players from teams that combined for 12 wins and three losses are among the league leaders in three-point accuracy.

Who’s hot: Sterling Brown's accuracy from three-point land

As the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season heads towards the home straight, making shots from long range could be key for teams as they make their final postseason push. And if we look over the last five rounds, players from teams that combined for 12 wins and three losses are among the league leaders in three-point accuracy.

The best in that category since Round 22 has been [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) guard [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/), who has made 63.6% three-point shots (7 for 11), with [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/)’s [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) right behind, having made 11 of 18 for 61.1%.

He might not be the most accurate, but one player who has been particularly impressive is [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/)'s [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/), who has netted 60.0% of his three-point shots over the last five games while knocking down 15 triples, tied for the second most since Round 22.

Only looking at the last five rounds has actually done a disservice to Brown as he made 4-of-4 triples in Round 21, which gives him a stunning 65.5% over the last six games, the best of all players under the EuroLeague standard criteria of playing in more than 50% games played and an average of 0.75 three-pointers made in those games.

Williams-Goss, Guduric and Brown are the only three players who have, over the last five rounds, knocked down 60.0% of their three-point shots or better. Just behind them is another Partizan player, forward [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/), who has knocked down 7 of his 12 three-point attempts, as well as the EuroLeague’s scoring leader, Olympiacos's [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), who has hit 11 of 19 shots over the last five games.

Brown’s shooting in recent weeks has lifted him into fifth place in three-point shooting this season, improving his rate to 48.3%. Brown, who is making 2.2 threes per game, is also the only player in the Top 10 in these rankings, averaging better than 1.7 triples per contest.

Leading the three-point shooting rankings this season is [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/)’s [Niels Giffey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niels-giffey/001557/) at 60.7%, ahead of [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) veteran guard [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/) (57.9%). However, both players have missed time with injury. Giffey missed 11 games from Round 2 to Round 13, while Causeur has been sidelined since Round 18 but was shooting the lights before that.

Partizan center [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) is certainly an unexpected name on this list as he is shooting 21 for 40 this season. Just for comparison, Davies has never made more than 15 three-pointers in a single season and had 39 total three-pointers made before this campaign. In fourth place is Milan power forward [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/), who is in the midst of his career-best season having made 43 three-pointers on 50.6% shooting in 26 appearances.

Players from Olympiacos, Milan and Partizan lead the way when it comes to three-point shooting, not only in recent weeks but also for the entire season

Check out the EuroLeague players who shined in FIBA play on Friday night.

FIBA Continental Qualifiers roundup: February 21

## EuroBasket Qualifiers 2025

### Finland 95-105 Serbia

Serbia grabbed its fifth win in as many qualifying games by downing Finland 95-105 in Espoo. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade forward Filip Petrusev led the winners with a monster performance, finishing the game with 34 points on 4 of 5 three-pointer and 8 rebounds. Dejan Davidovac also of Zvezda added 12 points, Balsa Koprivica of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade had 9 while his teammates Mario Nakic and Arijan Lakic contribted 7 and 3, respectively. Paris Basketball forward Mikael Jantunen led Finland with 18 points.

With the game tied at 88-88, Petrusev hit free throws and followed Aleksa Avramovic's step-back with a triple that made Finland call timeout at 88-95. Petrusev sealed the outcome, 93-100, in the next-to-last minute.

### Czechia 89-93 Greece 

Greece recording its fourth win by edging Czechia 89-93 in overtime in Pardubice, qualyfing to EuroBasket 2025. Ioannis Papapetrou of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens had 23 points, Georgios Papagiannis of AS Monaco added 10, Dinos Mitoglou also of Panathinaikos had 9, Giannoulis Larentzakis of Olympiacos Pireaus got 5 and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis of Panathinaikos 2 for Greece, all led by Aris Midea Thessaloniki playmaker Vassilis Toliopoulos, who had 26 points. Tomas Satoransky had 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Czechia. 

The hosts used a 9-0 run which Satoransky capped with a driving layup to get a 77-74 lead with 17 seconds left in regulation. Toliopoulos struck from downtown to send the game to overtime.  Toliopoulos and Papapetrou combined for 12 points in the extra period to make use Greece sealed the victory. 

### Georgia 62-60 Denmark 

Georgia qualified to its sixth consecutive EuroBasket final stage by edging Denmark 62-60 in Tbilisi. Toko Shengelia of Virtus Segafredo Bologna led the winners with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Iffe Lundberg of Partizan had 10 points for Denmark while Shavon Shields of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan added 8. 

Georgia led 37-25 at halftime behind 13 points and 10 rebounds by Shengelia. Denmark rallied after the break and took a 57-58 lead with two minutes left. Duda Sanadze buried a three-pointer and added a driving layup that gave Georgia its EuroBasket ticket, as Lundberg missed a highly-contested shot at the buzzer. 

### 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇬🇪 Georgia will play in their 6th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> in a row surviving a thriller in front of a sell-out crowd!</p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1893019838467187072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### Estonia 84-65 North Macedonia 

Estonia recorded its fourth victory in Group H by thrashing North Macedonia 84-65 in Tallinn. Sander Raieste of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz had 11 points. His former Baskonia teammate Maik Kotsar led the winners with 16. TJ Shorts of Paris had 21 points for North Macedonia while Neno Dimitrijevic of Milan added 20. It was a close game for 20 minutes, as Estonia led 22-17 at the end of the first quarter and North Macedonia took a 38-39 lead at the break.  The hosts rolled after the break, getting a double-digit margin, 58-48, late in the third quarter and extending it to 73-58 to seal the outcome. 

### Israel 84-78 Portugal 

Israel bested Portigal 84-78 in Riga, Latvia behind 15 points from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv guard Rafi Menco. Both teams were already qualified to the final round before this game. 

Menco and ratiopharm Ulm guard Ben Saraf each had 9 points before halftime to give Israel a 47-32 margin at the break. Portugal managed to make it a four-point game, 74-70, with 4 minutes left but Israel bounced back in time to seal the outcome. 

### Bosnia and Herzegovina 108-62 Cyprus 

Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified to EuroBasket 2025 by overwhelming Cyprus 108-62 in Mejdan. Real Madrid guard Dzanan Musa led Bosnia with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Bosnia led 53-29 at halftime, extended its margin to 82-50 at the end of the third quarter and had plenty of time to celebrate an important victory. The crowd stayed until the end of the game between Croatia and France which allowed Bosnia to officially punch its ticket to EuroBasket 2025. 

### 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina&#39;s game has been over for 15 minutes. <br><br>The entire arena is still full, hoping for France&#39;s win against Croatia to secure their qualification. <a href="https://t.co/2iOHoExGsa">pic.twitter.com/2iOHoExGsa</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1893040440410058972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### Croatia 80-83 France

France remained undefeated in Group E by edging Croatia 80-83 in Zadar. Elie Okobo of Monaco led *Les Bleus* with 16 points. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot of Baskonia added 12, Theo Maledon of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne had 10,  Isaia Cordinier of Virtus got 4, Matthew Strazel of Monaco contributed 3 while Petr Cornelie of Monaco and Neal Sako of ASVEL each scored 2 points in a winning effort which made France punch its EuroBasket ticket. Maario Hezonja of Real led Croatia with 37 points and 11 rebounds. Luka Samanic of Baskonia added 13 points for the hosts.

Hezonja already had 16 points and 6 rebounds in the first half, hitting a jumper to bring Croatia within 35-37 at halftime. France improved its defense after the break and Okobo's  triple made it a 15-point game, 40-55. Croatia got closer, 51-59, after 30 minutes. Croatia never gave up but Maledon hit 4 of 4 free throws to seal the outcome, 77-83, with 8 seconds remaining. 

## AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers

### Guinea 66-65 Angola

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's Jilson Bango impressed for Angola with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 steals, but he ended up on the losing side. AS Monaco's Alpha Diallo was a DNP for Guinea.

### Rwanda 73-96 Senegal

Senegal remained undefeated in Group C by topping Rwanda 73-96 in Yassine, Morocco. Ousmane Ndiaye of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz had a solid game: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a PIR of 19 in less than 22 minutes.

## 

## AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers

### Uruguay 61-70 Brazil

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade playmaker Yago dos Santos scored 17, and had a pair of assists and steal as Brazil downed Uruguay 61-70 to remain undefeated and clinch the first place in Group B. Georginho De Paula collected 20 points and 11 rebounds for Brazil which led from start to finish, but ended the game on an 1-8 run to pull out this win.

### Dominican Republic 74-65 Canada

Dominican Republic kept the chances to qualify to the continental tournament in its own hands with a 74-65 decision over Canada. Real Madrid point guard Andres Feliz led the hosts with 18 points and 6 rebounds, as the Dominican Republic improved to 3-2 record, the same as Mexico. Jean Montero of BKT EuroCup side Valencia Basket added 9 points in a win. Canada, which had Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade forward Isiaha Mike collect 5 points and 4 rebounds, has 4-1 record atop of Group C. Mfiondu Kabengele of EuroCup's Umana Reyer Venice had 12 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

Check out the EuroLeague players who shined in FIBA play on Friday night (PHOTO: FIBA)

Continental Qualifiers roundup: EuroLeague stars keep shining! 

After a 0-2 start, Georgia won its next three games to qualify to EuroBasket 2025. 


Toko Shengelia sends Georgia to EuroBasket 2025

There is a few things you can count on in such an unpredictable game as basketball. One thing is not granted, however: if healthy, Virtus Segafredo Bologna power forward [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) will always be available to play for the Georgian national team. 

It was a special game for Georgia, too, which needed a win to qualify to EuroBasket 2025. Denmark had already beaten Georgia 75-69 behind 19 points from Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/), Shengelia's former Virtus teammate last season. A 63-76 home loss against Serbia made things worse for Georgia but Shengelia was ready to rescue his team. 

He had 24 points to lead Georgia to an 83-90 road win against Finland, and did even better against the same opponent in Tbilisi. Shengelia led Georgia to a second victory over Finland, 81-64, getting 25 points and 6 assists. Georgia needed a third win against Denmark, was without starting point guard [Kamar Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kamar-baldwin/012597/) of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz but as always, Shengelia was ready to deliver. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SAKARTVELO, MAKE YOUR MARK! 🇬🇪<br><br>Georgia have qualified for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> 2025!<br><br>🎟️ Pre-register for tickets: <a href="https://t.co/LV7pwVhdGt">https://t.co/LV7pwVhdGt</a> <br>✅ <a href="https://t.co/USxM2Pdo7N">https://t.co/USxM2Pdo7N</a> <a href="https://t.co/JuP0swc75Q">pic.twitter.com/JuP0swc75Q</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1893013438227529879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Shengelia led by example since the opening tip, showing that commitment since the opening tip, fighting for loose ball, bringing the ball to the offensive side, playing at the '4' and '5' positions whenever Coach Aleksandar Dzikic required it, being the leading voice in timeouts and as always, doing a little bit of everything on the court. 

Despite a really close first quarter, Shengelia led Georgia to a 37-25 lead, burying a three-pointer from the top of the key at the halftime buzzer. He already had a double-double at the break with 13 points, 10 rebounds and a PIR of 17. 

Denmark rallied in the third quarter and took a 52-53 lead with 7 minutes left. Shengelia came off the bench soon after that, drawing a foul on each end, hitting key free throws, finding Duda Sanadze for a three-pointer and getting a critical defensive rebound already in the final minute. He also contested Lundberg's shot at the buzzer, sending almost 10,000 Georgian fans to their feet. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SCENES IN TBILISI AS GEORGIA 🇬🇪 SECURES THEIR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUROBASKET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUROBASKET</a> 2025 SPOT! <a href="https://t.co/fA17azSuFM">pic.twitter.com/fA17azSuFM</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1893013848644288521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Georgia edged Denmark 62-60, qualifying to the EuroBasket final round for the sixth consecutive time. Shengelia had 19 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. After the game, Shengelia highlighted his longtime commitment to his national team. 

"It is a great feeling, man. I feel very, very proud of my teammates, my coaching staff, our people... The atmosphere was great. Every time I come here, I just love to be here and I love to do what I do. It was a close game but I think we deserved it, and w are going to go in the EuroBasket for the sixth time in a row," Shengelia said. "Every time I represent my country, it's important. It's very important for me."

After a 0-2 start, Georgia won its next three games to qualify to EuroBasket 2025. (PHOTO: FIBA)

Setting all-time single-game record for three-pointers made has already made this season a memorable one for Obst, however, his three-point shooting in recent weeks is making this campaign even more special for the FC Bayern Munich sharpshooter.

Who’s hot: Andreas Obst and his historic three-point shooting

Earlier this season, [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) rewrote the history books when he became the first player to [make 11 three-point shots](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/fc-bayern-munich-fc-barcelona/E2024/99/#boxscore) in a game. Setting that [EuroLeague record](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/andreas-obst-breaks-the-euroleague-single-game-record-for-three-pointers-made/) has already [made this season a memorable one](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/magnificent-andreas-obst-stayed-humble-after-shooting-the-lights-out/) for Obst; however, his three-point shooting in recent weeks is making this campaign even more special for the FC Bayern Munich sharpshooter.

No player has made more triples than Obst over the last five rounds, and it’s not even been close. Obst has averaged 4.8 three-pointers per game in the last five games, having knocked down 24 triples

Every other player among the top five on this list has averaged at least 28 minutes per game, or to put it differently, [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/), [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/), [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) and [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) have each spent two full quarters on the floor more than Obst. Yet, Obst has been heads and shoulders above everyone else over the last five rounds when it comes to making those shots.

Brown, Fournier and Francisco have each knocked down 15 triples for a 3.0 per game average, with Nunn netting one fewer triple over the five-game span.

Obst also fired up the most triples since Round 22. He has attempted 9.2 per game, or a total of 46 three-point shots, which is 7 more than the next two players on the list, Francisco and [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), each with 39. Nunn ranks sixth on that list with 35 three-point attempts over the last five games.

Obst’s recent three-point streak has propelled him to second place in the season rankings. He is the league leader with 77 three-pointers made in 26 games, and his 2.96 average is now behind only Nunn’s of 3.04 per game (76 triples in 25 appearances).

Nunn is not only the season leader in average three-pointers made, but has been this season’s most consistent shooter when it comes to three-pointers made.

The Panathinaikos guard has knocked down at least one triple in each of his 25 games this season. The last time Nunn did not make a three-point shot was in Game 1 of last season’s playoffs, making it a streak of 31 consecutive games in which he hit at least one triple.

Another player who has climbed the leaderboard of three-pointers made is Fournier who has netted multiple three-pointers in each of his last 10 appearances. The Olympiacos star has actually made 3 or more triples in eight of those games and is averaging 3.5 triples made over that 10-game span, behind only Obst and (3.6) over that same time.

With eight games to go, if Obst, Nunn and Fournier keep their recent pace, each of the three has a realistic chance to surpass 100 three-pointers made before the playoffs. If doing so, they would reach a rare air because that is a [feat previously accomplished](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=FieldGoalsMade3&seasonMode=Single&seasonCode=E2023&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame&phase=RS) by only two players, and both last season: [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) (125) and [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) (102).

No player has knocked down more shots in recent weeks than Bayern's sharpshooter