Finland's Lauri Markkanen (C) and Georgia's Tornike Shengelia (R) during the FIBA Eurobasket quarterfinal match Finland vs. Georgia in Riga, Latvia on September 10, 2025. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
Finland have qualified for the EuroBasket semi-finals for the first time after a 93–79 victory over Georgia in Riga on Wednesday. The result extends a historic tournament run for the Nordic team, which had already eliminated Serbia in the previous round.
Lauri Markkanen, who scored 17 points and recorded four blocks, led Finland on both ends of the court. The Chicago Bulls forward has averaged 26 points and 8.2 rebounds per game during the tournament and is seen as the central figure in Finland’s success.
Finland maintained the lead for most of the game, but Georgia reduced the deficit in the third quarter before the Finns reasserted control. Key plays by Elias Valtonen, including two three-pointers during the final minutes, helped secure the win.
The Finnish squad, often referred to as Susijengi, or the Wolf Pack, is known primarily for its presence in ice hockey. This run in men’s basketball marks a major shift in Finnish sporting prominence.
At the Xiaomi Arena in Riga, an estimated 5,000 Finnish fans were in attendance. Organisers reported a crowd of just over 6,000, with Finnish supporters forming the majority.
Miikka Muurinen, 18, delivered a highlight moment in the second quarter with a dunk assisted by Markkanen. The play was widely shared on social media and highlighted by international media.
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet described Finland’s rise as “inspiring,” quoting SVT basketball analyst Nick Rajacic, who said, “Fifteen years ago, no Nordic country would have dreamed of this.”
German outlet Bild focused its coverage on Muurinen, referring to him by his nickname “Slim Jesus” and previewing a potential semi-final clash with Germany, who face Slovenia later on Wednesday.
Markkanen, who has led the tournament in scoring and been pivotal in Finland’s upset over Serbia and now Georgia, said after the game: “We’ve stayed focused. Every win builds our belief.”
Georgia entered the match fresh off their own upset, having knocked out France in the round of 16. NBA players Goga Bitadze and Sandro Mamukelashvili led the Georgian side, averaging 16.2 and 14.2 points per game, respectively. Both were held below their usual output by the Finnish defence.
The win continues a breakthrough tournament for Finland. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) posted in all capital letters on its official social media: “HISTORY FOR SUOMI.”
It also noted that this is the first time Finland will compete for a European basketball medal.
The semi-final fixture and opponent will be determined following the remaining quarter-finals. Germany and Slovenia are among the possible opponents, with tip-off scheduled for later on Wednesday.
HT