EuroBasket U16· Season 2026
Slovenia U16 edged Georgia U16 67-66 in the Classification 15-16 game at FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2026, surviving a third-quarter comeback to claim 15th place.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
Slovenia controlled the opening half at Arena Antonio Alexe, taking a 17-15 first quarter before stretching their advantage to 36-26 by halftime behind a decisive 19-11 second period. Georgia shot just 34% from the floor in the first half while Slovenia connected at 39%, buoyed by a 51.2% mark on two-point attempts.
The game flipped after the break. Georgia erupted for 26 points in the third quarter — more than they managed in the entire first half — while holding Slovenia to 14. The 26-14 burst cut a 10-point deficit to just 52-50 entering the fourth period, with Nikoloz Markoishvili leading Georgia's resurgence.
The final quarter was a tense, back-and-forth affair. Slovenia restored order with a 17-14 edge in the fourth, leaning on Kolka's composure and a 76% free-throw conversion rate that proved decisive. Georgia, by contrast, made only 55% of their free-throw attempts, a gap that ultimately cost them in a one-point game.
The turning point
Slovenia's response after Georgia's third-quarter storm. Having seen a double-digit lead shrink to two, Slovenia weathered the momentum swing and reclaimed control early in the fourth. The Slovenians' superior free-throw shooting (76% vs 55%) and their ability to close defensive possessions without fouling kept Georgia from capitalising fully on its resurgence.
Key performers
Roman Kolka (Slovenia) — The tournament's leading scorer (17.0 ppg) and efficiency leader (18.3) delivered a game-high 20 points, adding 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game for the event. His all-around production was the difference in a one-possession contest.
Nikoloz Markoishvili (Georgia) — The top performer for Georgia with 13 points, leading his side in efficiency rating. His energy sparked the third-quarter comeback that nearly flipped the result.
Tobias Blazic (Slovenia) — The tournament leader in blocks (1.4) and steals (2.1) per game, Blazic's defensive versatility helped Slovenia hold Georgia to 34% field-goal shooting for the game.
By the numbers — interpreted
Slovenia's 67-66 win looks as tight on paper as it felt on court, but the underlying numbers tell a story of contrasting strengths. Slovenia dominated inside (51.2% on two-point attempts vs Georgia's 40.5%) and at the line (76% FT vs 55%). Georgia, however, outscored Slovenia from three-point range despite shooting just 24.1% — Slovenia connected on only 11.1% of their triples, making Georgia's long-range edge (24.1% vs 11.1%) a significant factor in the one-basket margin.
The lead tracker underscores the game's shape: Slovenia led for 29 minutes 36 seconds, Georgia for just 4:45. There were 10 lead changes and six ties, almost entirely concentrated in the second half after Georgia's revival.
What it means
Slovenia finish the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2026 in 15th place with a 3-4 record, while Georgia end their campaign 16th (0-7). Both sides' tournament concluded with this fixture, the final day of competition in Oradea. Latvia won the championship, defeating France 75-69 in the final.
Verdict
A classic classification game that deserved a bigger crowd than the 60 listed in attendance. Georgia's third-quarter fightback showed genuine resilience from a side that entered winless, but Slovenia's superior fundamentals — inside scoring and free-throw shooting — earned them the 15th spot. Kolka looks a prospect worth monitoring for Slovenia's future youth sides.
Rivalry since 2024
Georgia U16 vs Slovenia U16 Head to Head Results· 1
Georgia U16 and Slovenia U16 have met 1 times — Georgia U16 won 0, Slovenia U16 won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2024. Slovenia U16 leads the head-to-head with 1 victory from 1 meeting. A combined 120 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 120.00 per match (58 for the home side, 62 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 match (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 game (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 62–58 in 2024.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 16 Aug 2026