Serbia's Dominant Victory Over Estonia: A Record-Setting Start at EuroBasket 2025
Serbia’s basketball team made a powerful statement as they commenced their EuroBasket 2025 campaign with an impressive victory over Estonia, steamrolling to a 98-64 win. This match illustrated Serbia’s formidable skills, nearly breaking the record for assists and showcasing their dominance on the court.
The Opening Thunder
In Arena Riga, amidst the fervent chants of 8,151 fans cheering for Estonia, Serbia dominated from the get-go. Despite the passionate support for the Estonian team, Serbia opened with a blistering 32-12 lead in the first quarter, dictating the rhythm of the game right from the start.
The Absence Felt
The absence of Estonia’s star center, Maik-Kalev Kotsar, due to an injury significantly tipped the scales in favor of Serbia. The towering presence of Nikola Jokic and his teammates left the Estonians struggling to find their footing against a team playing at the pinnacle of their abilities.
Standout Performances
Nikola Jovic emerged as the TCL Player of the Game, contributing 18 points and 6 assists within just 16 minutes of play. His dynamic contribution set the tone for Serbia, helping them build an unassailable advantage early on.
A Show of Teamwork
Serbia’s nearly record-setting 32 assists captivated viewers, as the team orchestrated plays with precision and fluidity. Their teamwork was a spectacle in itself, making it the 14th occurrence of 30+ assists in a EuroBasket game, as tracked since 1995.
Setting New Milestones
This victory marked Serbia’s largest win margin (+34) in a EuroBasket game, underlining their potential to be one of the tournament’s frontrunners. Nikola Jokic, with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, once again affirmed his status as an elite player.
The Fans’ Spirit
Although Estonia struggled against Serbia’s powerhouse performance, the unyielding spirit of their fans was a highlight of the match. Traveling en masse to show support, these fans brought an electrifying energy to Riga, fueling hopes for Estonia’s future games.
Post-Match Insights
Post-match comments reflected mixed emotions. While Estonia’s head coach, Heiko Rannula, looked forward with resolve and optimism, Serbia’s head coach, Svetislav Pesic, emphasized the importance of building on this win without complacency.
To delve deeper into the coaches’ and players’ perspectives, don’t miss the official post-game press conference available through the EuroBasket platform.
According to FIBA, this opening win sets a high standard for Serbia, positioning them as a formidable contender in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 journey.
