Greece has defeated defending champion Spain in the EuroBasket group stage 90-86, off the back of another leading Giannis Antetokounmpo performance.
Giannis scored 25 points, had 14 rebounds and nine assists while Tyler Dorsey chipped in with 22 points to see Greece advance to the round of 16 atop Group C.
Greece surged in the first half, capped by a 14-0 run that saw them lead 50-35 at half time.
They lost the lead twice in the last quarter though before Kostas Sloukas sealed the win with a layup and a pair of free throws in the final minute.
“We had a fantastic first half — maybe the best we have ever played. Defence, offense, rebounding, shooting, everything,” coach Vassilis Spanoulis said post-match.
“We slowed down after halftime, but we showed character, even when Spain went ahead. We made big defensive plays and we took the win.
“This game is an example of what will follow in knockout games. Nothing should disrupt our concentration. We must stay locked in for 40 minutes, not just one half.”
It was a win against a team that has beaten them seven of the last eight occasions dating back to 2006. It also sees Spain miss the round of 16 for the first time since 1977.
“This is just first place. Nothing more. We must stay humble and build on this. What mattered most was our reaction when the game got difficult. In previous years, we didn’t have the power to win games like this. Tonight we found it,” Spanoulis said.
Greece will next face Israel on Monday 4.45am AEST for a spot in the quarterfinals.
