FIBA World Cup 2023: Germany defeat Luca Doncic's Slovenia to remain unbeaten and win Group K
Dennis Schröder inspired Germany to a 100-71 victory over Slovenia with both sides already assured of quarter-final berths.
Basketball
Germany overcame a large first-quarter deficit to beat Slovenia 100-71 in their final second-round match at the FIBA World Cup 2023 on Sunday (3 September).
The two powerhouses of European basketball had already secured their quarter-final berths meaning this contest in Manila was mainly for pride. And it was Germany who kept their unbeaten record in the tournament intact to give them a confidence boost heading into the knockout rounds.
Point guard Dennis Schröder led the way with 24 points and 10 assists in his 25 minutes on court. Schröder has shone so far with his 30-point haul against Australia seeing him become just the second German to score 30 or more in a World Cup game.
Luka Doncic started out hot with 12 points in the first quarter as Slovenia opened up a 25-11 lead. But the Germans took the second quarter 27-9 and dominated thereafter with Doncic posting 23 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Runs of 11 and seven points without reply helped put Germany into a 38-34 half-time lead. And they opened up a 19-point advantage early in the third quarter leaving Slovenia to play catch-up.
There was no way back for Doncic and co as Germany scored 32 points in the final quarter to cap an impressive performance.
As Group K victors, Germany will now face Group L runners-up Latvia in the quarter-finals with Slovenia awaiting the winners of the match between holders Spain and Canada.