Finland pulled off a landmark achievement on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, by defeating Georgia 93–79 in the EuroBasket quarter-finals to secure a place in the semi-finals—the first time in the country’s history that it has reached the tournament’s final four.
A Night to Remember: Game Highlights and Key Performances
Held in Riga’s Arena Riga, the match saw Finland assert dominance early on, surging to a 20-point lead in the third quarter before weathering a fierce comeback attempt from Georgia.Their depth was on full display, particularly from the bench, which contributed a staggering 44 points compared to Georgia’s mere 4.
- Top scorer: Mikael Jantunen led the Finnish charge with 19 points, knocking down three three-pointers.
- Key performance: Lauri Markkanen added 17 points and four blocks, along with six rebounds as noted in some sources.
- Georgia’s effort: Sandro Mamukelashvili led his team with 22 points, while Georgia’s bench had minimal impact.
A notable moment came when Miikka Muurinen, an 18-year-old with high NBA potential, threw down a jaw-dropping behind-the-back dunk after a pass from Markkanen. The game also featured contentious fouls—Georgia’s Goga Bitadze was disqualified, and Tornike Shengelia received unsportsmanlike and technical fouls, tipping the scales further in Finland’s favor.
The Shock Run Continues: Underdogs Rising
This win caps off an already unlikely EuroBasket run by Finland. Earlier in the tournament, they stunned Serbia with a 92–86 victory in the Round of 16—knocking out the heavily favored team led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.That upset, followed by the historic quarter-final win, has made Finland one of the tournament’s most compelling underdog stories.
What’s Next: Semi-Finals Await
With this breakthrough, Finland is set to face the winner of the Germany vs. Slovenia quarter-final in the semi-finals, scheduled for Friday, September 12. The other semi-final will feature Turkey vs. Greece, setting up two intense matches vying for a spot in the final on Sunday, September 14.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Finland’s previous best finish in EuroBasket was sixth in 1967—a benchmark they’ve now decisively surpassed. The team’s performance has not only elevated their national program but also captured international attention. As the Utah Jazz noted, Markkanen’s presence on this squad has helped guide Finland through uncharted territory.
Summary
- Historic milestone: Finland reaches its first-ever EuroBasket semi-final.
- Decisive win: A 93–79 victory over Georgia, with strong showings from Jantunen (19 pts), Markkanen (17 pts), and a deep bench (44 pts).
- Underdog narrative: Following a stunning win over Serbia, Finland continues to defy expectations.
- Semi-final clash ahead: Awaiting the winner of Germany vs. Slovenia on September 12.
- New chapter in Finnish basketball: Best performance in decades, spotlighting young talents like Muurinen and seasoned stars like Markkanen.
With everything at stake and momentum on their side, Finland’s journey into the EuroBasket final four is a story of resilience, depth, and history in the making.
