EuroBasket 2017 Group A: Slovenia wins again, France and Finland just behind
The results of the third day in Helsinki, with the amazing game between the hosts and Poland
An efficient France have cruised to a convincing 115-79 victory over winless Iceland, whose dream of getting to the Final Phase ended.
With precise ball movement finding the open shooter, France overcame an early onslaught from an energetic Iceland to dominate the second-half.
Nando de Colo starred with 16 points from 7-of-9 shooting as France won consecutive games, while Iceland veteran Jon Arnor Stefansson returned to form with 23 points and 7 rebounds.
Winless Iceland must now win their remaining two games to stay a mathematical chance of advancing.
Slovenia won their third straight game to top Group A after a comeback 78-72 victory over Greece, who drop to 1-2.
Slovenia trailed by 6 points at the last change but proved too strong in the fourth with Goran Dragic overcoming a sluggish start to finish strong.
He had 9 of his 20 points in the final period, while 18-year-old emerging star Luka Doncic played his best game of the tournament to finish with 22 points. Kostas Sloukas scored 18 points for Greece.
Lauri Markkanen and Petteri Koponen's heroics inspired Finland to a memorable double overtime 90-87 victory over an unlucky Poland in Group A action.
Finland trailed by 8 points with under a minute left in regulation before Markkanen stepped up to cap off a turnover by dunking to tie the scores as the game headed to overtime.
He was again brilliant in the first overtime as the teams could not be separated before the hosts edged out a gallant Poland in the second overtime, to cap off an unforgettable game. Markkanen finished with 27 points and 9 rebounds and was assisted ably by Koponen with 20 points, while AJ Slaughter was clutch for Poland with 18 points. Finland now have a 2-1 record, while Poland are 1-2.
However, Finland's victory may come at a cost with Jamar Wilson and Mikko Koivisto suffering injuries.
Group A (Helsinki)
Slovenia 3-0
Finland 2-1
France 2-1
Greece 1-2
Poland 1-2
Iceland 0-3
With precise ball movement finding the open shooter, France overcame an early onslaught from an energetic Iceland to dominate the second-half.
Nando de Colo starred with 16 points from 7-of-9 shooting as France won consecutive games, while Iceland veteran Jon Arnor Stefansson returned to form with 23 points and 7 rebounds.
Winless Iceland must now win their remaining two games to stay a mathematical chance of advancing.
Slovenia won their third straight game to top Group A after a comeback 78-72 victory over Greece, who drop to 1-2.
Slovenia trailed by 6 points at the last change but proved too strong in the fourth with Goran Dragic overcoming a sluggish start to finish strong.
He had 9 of his 20 points in the final period, while 18-year-old emerging star Luka Doncic played his best game of the tournament to finish with 22 points. Kostas Sloukas scored 18 points for Greece.
Lauri Markkanen and Petteri Koponen's heroics inspired Finland to a memorable double overtime 90-87 victory over an unlucky Poland in Group A action.
Finland trailed by 8 points with under a minute left in regulation before Markkanen stepped up to cap off a turnover by dunking to tie the scores as the game headed to overtime.
He was again brilliant in the first overtime as the teams could not be separated before the hosts edged out a gallant Poland in the second overtime, to cap off an unforgettable game. Markkanen finished with 27 points and 9 rebounds and was assisted ably by Koponen with 20 points, while AJ Slaughter was clutch for Poland with 18 points. Finland now have a 2-1 record, while Poland are 1-2.
However, Finland's victory may come at a cost with Jamar Wilson and Mikko Koivisto suffering injuries.
Group A (Helsinki)
Slovenia 3-0
Finland 2-1
France 2-1
Greece 1-2
Poland 1-2
Iceland 0-3
A. Caporaso
@Facu_PCF
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