Azuolas Tubelis lifted Lithuania with a rare performance

Lithuania won its third consecutive game at EuroBasket 2025 and improved to 3-1 in Group B by holding off the group host and previously undefeated Finland, 78-81 in Monday night’s showdown in Tampere, Finland. The heroes on the night were FC Bayern Munich playmaker [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/), who unfortunately needed to leave the game and be helped to the locker room in the fourth quarter with an injury, as well as Zalgiris power forward [Azuolas Tubelis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/azuolas-tubelis/008192/).

Zalgiris [brought the big man](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-tabs-azuolas-tubelis-on-multi-year-deal/) this past July from its archrival Rytas Vilnius, setting the 23-year-old for a EuroLeague debut in the upcoming season. And if his latest performance is any indication, Tubelis will have plenty to say in Europe’s elite club competition.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zalgiris forward Azuolas Tubelis posted a double-double in the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroBasket</a> clash vs Finland - 12 points and 11 rebounds! 💪🏻🇱🇹 <a href="https://t.co/7LjbAKdeWu">pic.twitter.com/7LjbAKdeWu</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1962605071700537757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Tubelis is a great player, he is picking up fast and growing fast”, Lithuania’s star center Jonas Valanciunas praised his teammate in a conversation with BallinEurope after the game.

On Monday night, Tubelis was Lithuania’s key chess piece in a battle to defend Finland’s star counterpart Lauri Markkanen, delivering on both ends of the floor in a big win. In his first start, Tubelis finished the game with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists, playing a team-high 31 minutes. He became only the third Lithuanian player to combine for more than 10 points and 10 rebounds in a EuroBasket game in the 21st century, after Linas Kleiza and Valanciunas accomplished the feat in the past.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jokubaitis got him playing Twister 🫨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/axbuZwBGRX">pic.twitter.com/axbuZwBGRX</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1962578352365068510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tubelis slowed down Markkanen in the opening quarter, validating coach Rimas Kurtinaitis’s decision to start him in place of Valanciunas. Tubelis more than held his own against Markkanen, who entered the game averaging 32.3 points, but was held to just 7 in the first half.

Lithuania pulled away in the second quarter behind Jokubaitis and Valanciunas, then opened up a double-digit lead behind Tubelis. After the break, Finland led by Fenerbahce’s [Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/) kept threatening to come back, but the Lithuanians held on.

More EuroBasket 2025 coverage

The soon-to-be EuroLeague debutant had a double-double for Lithuania

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens playmaker Dimitris Moraitis will spend the 2025-26 season on loan at fellow Greek club Iraklis Thessaloniki

Panathinaikos loans guard Dimitris Moraitis to Iraklis 

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25) playmaker [Dimitris Moraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dimitris-moraitis/006544/) will spend the 2025-26 season on loan at fellow Greek club Iraklis Thessaloniki. The 26-year-old guard, who in June signed [an extension](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-dimitris-moraitis-together-until-2028/) that ties him to the Greens through the 2027-28, season will play a larger role with Iraklis.

Moraitis spent the last two seasons with the Greens, with which he won the EuroLeague in 2024. He played in only one EuroLeague game last season, scoring 2 points in 4 minutes against Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 15. He saw much more playing time in the Greek League, where he averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 assists in 17 games.

Moraitis has helped the Greens win the Greek League, the Greek Cup and the EuroLeague in his time with the club. He started his career with Panionios Athens and also played for AEK Athens, Kolossos Rhodes and Peristeri Athens before joining Panathinaikos. He has also been a member of the Greek national team and took part in the 2023 Basketball World Cup.

More from Panathinaikos 

The guard signed a long-term extension with the Greens in June

Brazil is the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup champion! Brazil won the competition for the first time by downing Argentina 47-55 in the gold medal game at Polideportivo Alexis Argüello in Nicaragua on Sunday

Bruno Caboclo and Brazil lift AmeriCup crown

Brazil is the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup champion! Brazil won the competition for the first time by downing Argentina 47-55 in the gold medal game at Polideportivo Alexis Argüello in Nicaragua on Sunday. [Yago dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/), who played for [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/) last season, led the winners with 14 points and 5 rebounds and [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) of [Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/roster/hta/) added 11 points and 7 rebounds.

Both players were chosen to the All-Tournament team. Yago was selected as the tournament MVP, too. Brazil led 24-31 at halftime and held a 36-42 margin at the end of the third quarter before opening the fourth with a 0-8 run that broke the game open at 36-52 and allowed Brazilian fans to celebrate long before the final buzzer.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmeriCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmeriCup</a> 2025 All-Star 5! 🌟 <a href="https://t.co/hSuk5cCSbS">pic.twitter.com/hSuk5cCSbS</a></p>&mdash; FIBA AmeriCup (@AmeriCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmeriCup/status/1962377263678197966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The United States of America won the bronze medal by topping Canada 85-90 behind 21 points each from Javonte Smart and [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/roster/bah/) forward [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/). [Dubai Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/dubai-basketball/roster/dub/) center [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/) paced Canada with 16 points and 7 rebounds. USA led 37-49 at halftime and had already sealed the outcome, 74-88, in the next-to-last minute.

Brazil topped USA 92-77 in one of the semifinals behind 25 points from Yago and 20 from Caboclo. In the other semifinal, Argentina downed Canada 73-83 with 26 points from Jose Vildoza.

Bruno Caboclo

The 28-year-old Hapoel big man earned All-tournament honors

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv has signed rookie Clifford Omoruyi, adding a high-motor center with elite defensive instincts to its roster. 

Maccabi taps tenacious talent Clifford Omoruyi

[Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/roster/tel/) has signed rookie Clifford Omoruyi to a two-year deal, adding a high-motor center with elite defensive instincts to its roster.

Omoruyi (2.11 meters, 23 years old) joins the Israeli powerhouse after a five-year collegiate career split between Rutgers and Alabama. Known for his shot-blocking prowess and explosive athleticism, Omoruyi earned multiple All-Big Ten honors and finished his NCAA tenure as one of the most efficient bigs in the country.

Last season he averaged 7.9 points on 73.4% shooting, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks for Alabama in 34 appearances. Before that, he was a Big Ten Conference All-Defensive Team selection after both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons with Rutgers.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome Big Cliff! <a href="https://t.co/xyNRkYTJtz">pic.twitter.com/xyNRkYTJtz</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1962437569779507577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“We’re happy to welcome Cliff into our family,” Oded Kattash said of the signing. “He’s a player with significant size and good instincts, with a presence on both ends of the floor. He’ll bring us athleticism, rebounding, and energy. He has tremendous upside, and I have no doubt he’ll help us reach our goals.”

Born in Benin City, Nigeria, Omoruyi moved to the United States at age 14 and quickly transitioned from football boots to basketball sneakers. He starred at Roselle Catholic High School in New Jersey, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors before committing to Rutgers. Now, the center begins a new chapter with Maccabi.

More Maccabi Tel Aviv news

Nigerian-born big man brings rim protection and raw power to Maccabi’s frontcourt

Israel shook up the standings in Group D of EuroBasket 2025 in Katowice, Poland, by scoring an 82-69 upset win at Spodek Arena on Sunday over France, which moved it into second place with a 2-1 record, the same as its opponent. The winning team was at its best when the Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv duo of Tomer Ginat and Yam Madar were on the floor. 

Hapoel duo of Ginat, Madar spark Israel to upset of France

Israel shook up the standings in Group D of EuroBasket 2025 in Katowice, Poland, by scoring an 82-69 upset win at Spodek Arena on Sunday over France, which moved it into second place with a 2-1 record, the same as its opponent. The winning team was at its best when the [Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/roster/hta/) duo of [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomer-ginat/010550/) and [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yam-madar/011052/) were on the floor.

Madar tallied 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, while Ginat amassed 14 points and 6 boards. They were second and third, respectively, on Israel in scoring behind [Deni Avdija](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/deni-avdija/007675/), who scored 23. However, their impact could be seen from their +/-: Ginat led all players with +17 in 21:46 minutes and Madar was right behind with +16 in 24:22. Third was [Roman Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/roman-sorkin/011219/) of [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/roster/tel/) with +13 in 27:47.

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Avdija spoke glowingly of both Ginat and Madar after the game.

"Tomer is a leader. It's really fun to play with him, next to him. I learn a lot from him – how to speak to guys, how to lead the team," Avdija said at the post-game press conference. "Tomer has things that you cannot teach: his touch, to be in the right place at the right time. He's a winner. And even though he didn’t start today – and for many players that would get into their heads – it didn’t affect him negatively. On the contrary, Tomer took it positively. Despite everything that happened yesterday, he gave an amazing game. Huge credit to him."

Earlier, in the mixed zone, he commented on Madar, who has been dealing with a knee injury since last season. "It’s not a surprise at all. I see this guy working, really working hard, doing everything he can. Treatments, training, everything, so that he’ll be at his very best on the court. He was born for these shots, he knows how to make them."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ISRAEL WITH AN 11-0 RUN 🔥<br><br>🇮🇱 up by 7 with 6:50 to go.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/TherealIBBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TherealIBBA</a> <a href="https://t.co/vhmdHtOb3L">pic.twitter.com/vhmdHtOb3L</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1962193776555827372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Madar, Ginat, Sorkin and Avdija all had key roles as Israel pulled away in the fourth quarter. Elie Okobo's four-point play at the end of the third quarter gave France a 55-56 lead and the AS Monaco guard opened the fourth with another triple. A minute later, Ginat subbed in and scored for Israel, sparking an 11-0 run that Madar capped with a three-pointer for a 66-59 lead.

When Paris Basketball's Nadir Hifi scored, Ginat answered with a bucket in the paint. Israel kept the pressure on and Sorkin fed Madar for a fastbreak layup that boosted the margin to double figures at 74-63. All told, Israel outscored France 27-13 in the fourth quarter with Madar netted 7 of those points and Ginat 6. Madar added 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal and Ginat also corralled 3 boards in the final stanza.

Both Madar and Ginat had quiet starts as France raced to a 10-20 lead. However, Ginat drilled a three-pointer and Madar cashed in a steal for a layup to get within 17-22 after 10 minutes. The duo contributed more points early in the second quarter as Israel tied the game at 36-36 at the break. Israel kept it close in a topsy-turvy third quarter before pulling away in the fourth.

The two combined for 13 fourth-quarter points in the come-from-behind win

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens big man Konstantinos Mitoglou scored 17 points in as many minutes to help Greece overpower Georgia 53-94 on Sunday afternoon at Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol, Cyprus

Konstantinos Mitoglou’s hot shooting helps keep Greece atop EuroBasket group

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens big man [Konstantinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/) scored 17 points in as many minutes to help Greece overpower Georgia 53-94 on Sunday afternoon at Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol, Cyprus. Against a Georgia team whose strength resides in its frontline, Mitoglou teamed with Giannis Antetokounmpo to take charge early and roll to a convincing win. The victory improved Greece to 3-0 atop Group C, while Georgia slipped to 1-2.

Mitoglou made a pair of threes among his 8 points in the first quarter and went on to score 7 more in the second – all on perfect shooting. He was bound to miss at some point – and it happened three and a half minutes into the second half. And then Mitoglou proceeded to block Georgian big man Sandro Mamukelashvili at one end before sinking a fadeaway jumper for the game's next bucket. He was subbed out soon after and able to rest for the game’s final 15 minutes.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇬🇷 Dinos is cooooooking 🧑‍🍳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/HellenicBF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HellenicBF</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paobcgr</a> <a href="https://t.co/YZkbqkALpB">pic.twitter.com/YZkbqkALpB</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1962137954433802588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He finished the game with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting – including 3 for 3 from deep – plus 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Mitoglou was second on Greece in scoring and PIR (24) behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo (27 points, PIR of 33). In the 17 minutes (and 23 seconds) that Mitoglou played, Greece outscored Georgia 22-49.

Greece returns to action on Tuesday afternoon to face Bosnia and Herzegovina. Georgia will face host Cyprus later that day.

The Panathinaikos big man missed only 1 shot while fueling his country past Georgia

Virtus Bologna has announced the signing of Aliou Diarra, who has penned a multi-year agreement with the Italian club.

Virtus reels in Aliou Diarra

Virtus Bologna has announced the signing of Aliou Diarra on a multi-year agreement.

Diarra (2.08 meters, 23 years old) spent last season playing for APR in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), averaging 17.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 3.3 blocks and 1.4 steals in eight games for the Rwanda-based team.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍 🌟<br>Aliou Diarra è un nuovo giocatore dei Campioni d’Italia 💯 <a href="https://t.co/8sjdpTXRtR">pic.twitter.com/8sjdpTXRtR</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusBo/status/1961738115518812161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A Mali international, Diarra's first professional season came in 2023 as he played eight times in the BAL for Malian club Stade Malien, posting 18.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.4 steals. That same campaign, he joined FUS Rabat in Morocco and averaged 13.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steal per night across four BAL appearances.

Diarra remained with Rabat for the 2024 BAL season, posting 16.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 2.2 blocks and 1.0 steal in six games before averaging 13.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steal in four fixtures.

Across his three years playing in the BAL, Diarra has twice been the Defensive Player of the Year (2023, 2025), is a two-time All-BAL First Team selection (2023, 2024), a three-time BAL All-Defensive Team member (2023, 2024, 2025), the BAL rebounding leader in 2023, and a two-time leader in blocks (2023, 2025).

More Virtus News

The 23-year-old center has made waves in the BAL over the last three seasons

The Virtus duo led Italy past Georgia in a key showdown

EuroBasket 2025: Niang, Akele lead Italy to first win 

In what was a critical game for both teams, [Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saliou-niang/012687/) and his Virtus Bologna teammate [Momo Diouf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mouhamet-diouf/013374/) provided answers when Italy needed them most, leading their team to a convincing 78-62 victory over Georgia. Georgia was riding high after a historic win against Spain and was well on its way to a second Group C triumph. Italy had started play with a loss against Greece and could ill-afford to fall to 0-2.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chef Momo cooking in the paint 👨‍🍳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/Italbasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Italbasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/eboKreyhEh">pic.twitter.com/eboKreyhEh</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1961769077648556079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


It was harder than it looked. Georgia led for the better part of the game and used a 0-7 run to take a 37-41 edge midway through the third quarter. It didn't last long, however, as [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) of Valencia Basket fueled an 11-0 blitz that put Italy ahead for good. Diouf and an unstoppable Niang joined forces to boost the Italian lead to 66-47 with over 6 minutes remaining, more than enough for their team to keep full control of the game until the final buzzer.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SALIOU NIANG IS TAKING OVER! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMark</a> <a href="https://t.co/LhoXug8GW4">pic.twitter.com/LhoXug8GW4</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1961788332268032377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Niang led the winners with 15 points in 17 minutes. Diouf was rock-solid at the starting center spot, getting 13 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes. Italy had five other players scoring five points or more in a great team effort. Italy also managed to keep FC Barcelona forward [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) and two-time EuroLeague champion Giorgi Shermadini scoreless. Former EuroLeague Rising Star Goda Bitadze led Georgia with 22 points. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH YOUR HEAD!<br><br>📺 <a href="https://t.co/O8gpIsQl2R">https://t.co/O8gpIsQl2R</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/Italbasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Italbasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/h46eiaiefg">pic.twitter.com/h46eiaiefg</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1961792449635905807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


Virtus fans have good reasons to look to a brighter future, as two of the squad's youngest players have a significant role on the national team. Niang is 21 years old and set to make his EuroLeague debut with Virtus after two BKT EuroCup campaigns with Dolomiti Energia Trento. At the age of 23, Diouf concluded a promising EuroLeague season with Virtus, averaging 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and a PIR of 7.9 in 31 games. Italy comes off a character win before two critical games against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday and against Spain on Tuesday.

Saliou Niang, Momo Diouf lead Italy to first win 

The AS Monaco center lifted Germany past Lithuania 

Daniel Theis's near-perfect game keeps Germany undefeated 

In a battle between undefeated teams in Group B, Germany downed Lithuania 88-107 to mathematically qualify to the Round of 16. Germany gave Lithuania no chance with a rock-solid performance in which AS Monaco center [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/) played a critical role, leading his team to a no-doubt-about it 88-107 victory. Theis gave Germany the boost it needed throughout the game. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">😤 GERMANY ARE ON A MISSION 😤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/meUfS5ozht">pic.twitter.com/meUfS5ozht</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1961764918123745715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Theis had a strong start, getting 8 points in the opening 6 minutes to help Germany get a double-digit lead, 20-32, at the end of the first quarter. Theis kept rolling before the break, getting 14 points on 6 of 6 shooting in as many minutes, 4 rebounds and a PIR of 20 at halftime. Theis ended up playing a near-perfect game, getting 23 points of perfect shooting in as many minutes, 6 of 6 two-pointers, 3 of 3 three-pointers and 2 of 2 free throws. Theis added 6 rebounds, an assist, a steal, a block and a game-high PIR of 32. His 3 personal fouls prevented him from recording a perfect performance, statistically speaking: added to not missing any shot, Theis had no turnovers.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">💯 PERFECT 💯<br><br>Daniel Theis has not missed a single shot yet (19 PTS I 8/8 FG)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/3w69l8BLiD">pic.twitter.com/3w69l8BLiD</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1961760076198211736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Theis got plenty of help everywhere, as Dennis Schroeder led Germany with 26 points, Franz Wagner added 24 and Andreas Obst of FC Bayern Munich fired in 5 of 7 three-pointers on his way to 15 points. Germany ended up hitting 19 of 35 three-pointers (54.3% 3FG), way better than Lithuania (8 of 22 3FG, 36.4%) and dished 26 assists against just 7 turnovers. Rokas Jokubaitis of Bayern led Lithuania with 20 points. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">☔ Obst making it rain, AGAIN - is he the best shooter in the competition?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/GiceMtKB6B">pic.twitter.com/GiceMtKB6B</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1961749958089977991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


Theis has been playing better since EuroBasket 2025. He opened the tournament with 6 points and 5 rebounds in a 76-106 win over Montenegro, and got 11 points in just 13 minutes in a 105-83 victory over Sweden. Germany has broken the 100-point barrier in each and every game, confirming it is one of the teams in the mix to get the gold medal. After a great season with Monaco, in which Theis gave Monaco the spark it needed to reach the EuroLeague Championship Game for the first time in club, he now wants to add the EuroBasket 2025 to the World Cup title his national team won in 2023. 