The Daily Star Ireland
Beneath the fervent atmosphere of Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia, two unexpected giants—Finland and Georgia—clash in a must-watch EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinal, tipping off on Wednesday, September 10, likely during an evening prime-time slot. Both teams defied expectations—Finland stunned Serbia, and Georgia shocked France—setting the stage for this compelling underdog showdown.
Finland Preview
Coach & Philosophy
Led by a disciplined, team-based system, Finland revolves around Lauri Markkanen, whose tournament form is nothing short of electric. Markkanen blends scoring, rebounding, and high-level instincts with a calm leadership style that elevates his squad.
Offense
Finland’s offense channels through Markkanen’s versatility. Whether firing from deep or driving the lane, his dynamic execution frees up open shots for wings and spot-up specialists. Recent form shows Finland daring to run and punish opponents both in transition and structured sets.
Defense
Compact, communicative, and pressuring—Finland defends with unity. They disrupt passing lanes and force contested jumpers. While not elite in shot-blocking, their collective discipline and hustle up the court set the tone.
Rotation & Contributors
Finland leans on role players who move efficiently and hit shots when needed. Bench units maintain energy and pace, keeping Finland fluid and difficult to shake.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths: Star power in form, team chemistry, and momentum from big upsets.
Weaknesses: Offensive reliance on Markkanen; if he’s double-teamed effectively, scoring options narrow.
Georgia Preview
Coach & Philosophy
Georgia enters buoyed by back-to-back historic wins—first over Spain, then France. They embody grit, focus, and composure under pressure, propelled by savvy veterans and rising clutch contributors.
Offense
Scoring flows through their frontcourt—led by Tornike Shengelia and supported by Kamar Baldwin. Georgia operates in a low-key, methodical half-court rhythm, prioritizing execution over flair.
Defense
Georgia sinks into physical, structured defense, daring opponents to beat them systematically. They rebound collectively and protect interior access while waiting for opponents to generate contested offense.
Rotation & Contributors
A core of experience, cohesion, and calm defines them. Georgia’s bench may lack depth, but their starters and tactical discipline keep games tight and manageable.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths: Defensive resilience, veteran maturity, and momentum confidence.
Weaknesses: Transitional pace, limited offensive spacing, and dependency on consistent execution.
The Turning Point
Finland’s opener featured a monumental upset—Markkanen buried Serbia with 29 points while the team rallied late, capped by Valtonen’s dagger triple in crunch time. Georgia’s own Cinderella story continued with a breathtaking quarterfinal-clinching win over France, earning them government rewards and national pride. A true underdog’s bracket now unfolds between them.
Key Players to Watch
Finland
- Lauri Markkanen: Offensive engine, grabbing boards and dictating with craft.
- Role Players: Need to knock down open threes and make defensive hustle plays to ease pressure on Markkanen.
Georgia
- Tornike Shengelia & Kamar Baldwin: Must dominate inside and execute with calm in close games.
- Team Defense: Must lock down in half-court and limit Finland’s transition breaks.
What to Watch Live
- Pace: Will Finland control the tempo or will Georgia grind down possessions?
- Paint Battle: Markkanen vs Georgia’s frontcourt—who sustains control?
- Execution Under Duress: Georgia’s veteran discipline versus Finland’s youthful momentum in tight moments.
- Bench Impact: Who injects energy when scoring flurries stall?
Betting Insight
- Spread: Lean Finland by a narrow margin—momentum and offensive firepower give them a tick edge.
- Total Points: Cautiously lean Under—Georgia slows tempo, Finland controls possessions.
- Props:
- Markkanen Over Points/Boards—frontcourt dominance should sustain.
- Georgia second-half + spread if they hold rhythm early.
Prediction
Predicted Winner: Finland
Predicted Score: 88–82
X-Factor: Offensive transition and late-clock execution. If Finland can keep Markkanen engaged and pace dynamic, Georgia’s grit gets held to a manageable level.
This Finland vs Georgia – EuroBasket 2025 Preview points to a high-intensity underdog battle—but one where Finland’s surge, offensive flexibility, and continuity narrowly carry them into the semifinals.
