Luka Doncic drops 39, but Slovenia falls to France in FIBA EuroBasket

Luka Doncic erupted for 39 points, but Slovenia fell to France, 103-95, in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket on Saturday in Poland.

Slovenia held a 54-47 lead at halftime, but the French squad surged in the second half, taking a 60–59 lead past the midway mark of the third quarter before closing the period trailing, 70–68.

France then opened the final frame with an 8–2 run, but Donci stopped the momentum, trimming the deficit to 76–74. Sylvain Francisco then drilled a three-pointer to extend France's lead, but Alen Omic and Edo Moric tied the game at 79. Alexandre Sarr put France at 81 before Doncic's free throws tied the game anew at 81 with 5:44 remaining.

Francisco answered with two more free throws to reclaim the lead for France, but Doncic again tied it at 83 after being fouled by Sarr.

France then mounted another 8–0 run to create separation before Edo Muric hit a triple to give Slovenia a glimmer of hope entering the final two minutes.

Francisco’s free throws off an Alen Omi? foul gave France a 93–86 lead with 1:31 left. Moments later, Elie Okobo nailed a three-pointer following a split at the line by Slovenia’s Klemen Prepeli?, pushing France ahead 96–87 with under a minute remaining.

Doncic led a late rally, bringing Slovenia within seven, 99–92 with 39 seconds left, but Francisco’s late free throws and a final basket sealed the win for France.

Francisco finished with 32 points to lead France, while Okobo added 14, as they improved to 2–0 in Group D.

Despite Doncic’s 39-point outing, along with nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals, Slovenia remains winless at 0–2, having also lost its opener to Poland, 105–95.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News