The biggest upset in the EuroBasket! Serbia loses to Finland, missing out on the quarterfinals; Jokic scores 33 points in vain, Markkanen with 29+8

On September 7th, 2025, during the Men's EuroBasket Round of 16, Serbia, a top contender for the title, was upset by Finland 86-92 and missed the quarterfinals. Finland began the game with high energy, leading by up to 11 points, but Serbia kept steady and quickly erased the deficit. The teams alternated leads, but Finland's higher offensive efficiency in the decisive moments clinched the victory. Jokic scored 33 points with 8 rebounds, Markkanen contributed 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals, and Valtorin was Finland's surprise hero with 10 crucial points in the final quarter. Serbia has now been stopped at the Round of 16 in two consecutive tournaments, having lost to Italy in the 2022 EuroBasket at the same stage. Finland will face the winner between France and Georgia in the quarterfinals.

Statistics

Serbia: Jokic 33 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals; Jovic 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists; Dobric 9 points, 5 rebounds; Misic 8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists; Avramovic 6 points; Guduric 5 points

Finland: Markkanen 29 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals; Jantunen 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Littel 13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists; Valtorin 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Murrin 9 points; Salin 6 points

Player of the Game

Markkanen delivered 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, but his teammates also contributed significantly. In the last quarter, Murrin hit two consecutive three-pointers, and within the final five minutes, Valtorin scored a crucial 10 points, helping Finland narrowly defeat Serbia.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, Jovic made one of two free throws, and Finland quickly found their rhythm. Markkanen completed a three-point play, Jantunen hit two three-pointers in a row, and Finland went on an 11-0 run. Petrusev scored inside, Jokic dunked, and Jovic also made a three-point play as Serbia cut the deficit. Markkanen responded with a three-point play plus free throw and a put-back, maintaining a 10-point lead for Finland. Jovic and Avramovic made three-pointers, Jokic scored inside, and after the first quarter, Finland led Serbia 28-24.

In the second quarter, Dobric scored 4 points in a row, Jokic made a layup, and Misic hit a three-pointer, as Serbia went on a 9-2 run to take the lead. Murrin dunked, Markkanen scored a mid-range jumper, Jokic answered with a basket under the rim and made consecutive free throws. Jovic and Misic hit back-to-back threes, Jokic made a mid-range shot, and Serbia led by 6 points. With Markkanen making two free throws, the half ended with Serbia ahead 48-44 over Finland.

After the break, Grandison scored on a put-back, Jovic hit a three-pointer. Littel also made a three, and Markkanen and Jantunen attacked the basket continuously. Valtorin and Salin made consecutive three-pointers as Finland went on a 13-2 run to take a 5-point lead over Serbia. Jokic made 3 of 4 free throws, Salin hit another three-pointer, Dobric scored on a drive and free throw, Markkanen made two free throws, and after the third quarter, Finland led Serbia 68-66.

In the final quarter, Jokic scored on a mid-range shot and then again inside. Murrin hit two straight three-pointers. Guduric and Murrin exchanged words, then Guduric quickly made a three-pointer. Jokic completed a three-point play, putting Serbia ahead of Finland. Jokic picked up his fourth foul, and Valtorin and Markkanen scored consecutively, putting Finland back in front. Jokic made one of two free throws, Valtorin hit a three-pointer. Jovic made a three, Valtorin scored on a put-back and then another three-pointer, Markkanen made two free throws, and Finland led by 8 points. Jokic hit a three-pointer, forcing Serbia to foul strategically. Markkanen made one of two free throws, and ultimately Finland defeated Serbia 92-86.

Starting Lineups

Serbia: Jokic, Jovic, Avramovic, Petrusev, Guduric

Finland: Markkanen, Jantunen, Littel, Grandison, Valtorin