Finns slap each other before the game - then they storm into the semi-final against Germany
It's a real ritual: With a few slaps in the face, the Finns get themselves fired up for the quarterfinals against Georgia. Apparently, it works – Finland wins decisively and now advances to the semifinals of the European Basketball Championship against Germany.
Finland's basketball team has reached the semifinals of the European Championship for the first time. The team, led by NBA pro Lauri Markkanen, defeated Georgia 93-79 (57-40) in the quarterfinals in Riga in a surprise match.
Beforehand, the Finns performed their tried-and-true ritual: slapping each other. Apparently, it worked. Finland defeated Georgia decisively and is now in the semifinals of a European Basketball Championship for the first time.
Finland had sensationally eliminated favorite Serbia in the round of 16. Against Georgia, who had also surprisingly defeated France, Markkanen and his team were clearly superior from the start. Although the Georgians closed the gap to within six points after the break, the Finns were no longer in danger.
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