RIGA, Latvia (AP) — Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen scored 28 points to help Finland beat Sweden 93-90 in the opening game of the EuroBasket tournament on Wednesday.
With five minutes remaining, Miikka Muurinen made two quick baskets from close range, giving Finland a lead they held until the end. Sweden’s Ludvig Hakanson also scored 28 points but couldn’t secure a win for his team.
In another match, Turkey upset the host nation Latvia 93-73 at a sold-out Xiaomi Arena, with Cedi Osman contributing 20 points to his team’s victory.
Turkey took control of the game from the very beginning, as Ercan Osmani turned the opening tip-off into a quick dunk. After that, Latvia only briefly led for 19 seconds in the first quarter when they had a one-point advantage.
Kenan Sipahi scored 19 points for Turkey, while Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun added 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Latvia will face Estonia on Friday, and Turkey will play against the Czech Republic.
Earlier in the group stage, Neemias Queta helped Portugal secure its first EuroBasket win in 18 years, beating the Czechs 62-50. The Boston Celtics center recorded 23 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, becoming the first player since 1995 to score at least 20 points and grab 15 rebounds in their EuroBasket debut.
Portugal Celebrates Historic Victory, First Since 2007’s 94-85 Win Over Israel
In Group A in Riga, Serbia defeated Estonia 98-64. Nikola Jovic led the way with 18 points, while three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Serbia, a tournament favorite with five current NBA players and seven former NBA players, started strong by scoring the first nine points and following it with a 17-3 run to build a double-digit lead they never lost.
In Group B action in Tampere, Germany overcame Montenegro 106-76 after taking control in the second half. At halftime, Germany led only 46-43, but a 33-12 run in the third quarter, sparked by four 3-pointers from Andreas Obst, put the game out of reach. Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder, the World Cup MVP, scored 21 points, while Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner added 22 points and eight rebounds on his 24th birthday.
Germany will face Sweden next, while Montenegro plays Lithuania. In their opening game, Lithuania beat Britain 94-70. Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Lithuania. Coach Rimas Kurtinaitis noted that his players looked nervous at times, missing several 3-pointers and free throws.
FAQ
Who did Portugal beat to achieve their first EuroBasket win in 18 years?
Portugal defeated the Czech Republic 62-50 in the group stage of EuroBasket 2025.
Who led Portugal to this historic victory?
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta starred for Portugal, scoring 23 points and grabbing 18 rebounds.
What other notable stats did Neemias Queta achieve?
Queta also recorded four blocks and two steals, making a remarkable EuroBasket debut.
When was Portugal’s last EuroBasket win before this?
Portugal’s previous victory was against Israel in 2007, with a 94-85 scoreline.