By Michalis Gioulenoglou/ info@eurohoops.net
Limassol, Cyprus – Giannis Antetokounmpo took over for Greece on the way to a 75-66 victory versus Italy in the opener for both countries in EuroBasket 2025.
Logging just over 29 minutes, the 30-year-old superstar finished with 31 points. He made 14/20 two-pointers and 3/4 free throws, alongside seven rebounds, two steals, and one assist. In addition to the Freak, the Milwaukee Bucks were represented in Spyros Kyprianou Arena by general manager Jon Horst, head coach Doc Rivers, and assistants Vin Baker and Darvin Ham.
The team coached by Vassilis Spanoulis never trailed during Thursday’s matchup. With Giannis dominating in the paint and scoring eight points, the first double-digit advantage was reached at the end of the first period. The lead increased to 12 points early in the second quarter, but Italy retained a manageable distance until the final minute, refusing to surrender.
Determination, especially in team defense, paved the way for a Greek win in Gameday 1 of Group C. The losing side was held to 7/27 from beyond the arc. Also, Miami Heat’s Simone Fontecchio was scoreless until connecting a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, upon missing his first ten field-goal attempts. Meanwhile, Nicolo Melli tallied a team-high 15 points but was limited to one point after the break.
Earlier action in Limassol saw Bosnia-Herzegovina dominating host Cyprus, 91-64. Logging nearly 22 minutes, Jusuf Nurkic of the Utah Jazz stood out with 18 points behind 6/11 field goals. On the losing end, Konstantinos Simitzis had a game-high 22 points.
With pool play resuming on Saturday, Italy faces Georgia, Greece moves to the meeting opposite Cyprus, and Bosnia-Herzegovina takes on Spain.