12 Giant Men are running for medals!

Created: September 07, 2025 07:00

Our National Team defeated Sweden 85-79 in the last 16 round of the 2025 European Basketball Championship (EuroBasket 2025) and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Our team, playing in Riga, the capital of Latvia, didn't start the match as planned, trailing 42-37 at halftime. Tightening their defense in the third period, 12 Giant Men took the lead for the first time (46-44) in the 25th minute and held a 63-55 lead heading into the final period.

THE LAST MOMENTS WERE BREATHTAKING

Sweden tied the game in the 34th minute of the fourth quarter, 69-69, thanks to Hakanson's 3-pointer from the line. The rest of the match was a thrilling affair. Turkey played better during this period, where both teams traded baskets, scoring crucial points with Cedi Osman and Alperen, winning 85-79 and advancing to the quarterfinals.

OUR PATH IS CLEAR TO THE FINAL

The 12 Giant Men hold a significant advantage in the tournament bracket. Because Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and France, considered Eurobasket 2025 favorites, are on the other side of the bracket, the National Team won't face these ambitious teams until the final. The team that stands out on our side of the bracket is our neighbor, Greece.

ATAMAN'S REACTION TO FIBA

Coach Ergin Ataman reacted to the game time. Ataman said, “We started the game badly, but that was something I expected. There's something called body rhythm! If you schedule the group winner's match for 12:00 a.m., we'll start badly! I expected this. This is ridiculous. I feel sorry for FIBA! Anyway, they didn't achieve their goal.”