Romania vs Greece

Greece controlled the first half, building a double-digit lead through sharp perimeter shooting and relentless offensive rebounding. Romania struggled to contain Greece's movement early, and the visitors looked poised to book their Second Round ticket.

But the hosts roared back in the third and fourth quarters. A disciplined defensive adjustment by head coach Mihai Silvasan cut off Greece's passing lanes, while the offence found its rhythm through Daron Russell and Lucas Tohatan. Ten different Romanian players scored as the team methodically chipped away.

Romania pulled ahead 69-66 inside the final minute — and that's when the decisive moment arrived. Greece attacked the rim for a game-tying layup, only for Emanuel Cate to rise and block the attempt, sending the Oradea crowd into a frenzy. Romania converted free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Daron Russell was the difference-maker, finishing with a game-high 20 points, three rebounds and three assists on efficient shooting. Romania were +12 with him on the floor. The American-born guard, fresh off starring for U-BT Cluj-Napoca, provided the offensive punch Romania needed when the game tightened.

Lucas Tohatan delivered his best performance in a Romania shirt: 13 points and a team-high six assists, running the offence with composure against Greece's veteran backcourt.

Emanuel Cate posted eight points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting with six rebounds and zero turnovers — and his late block was the defensive play of the game.

Kostas Papanikolaou led Greece with a well-rounded double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Giannoulis Larentzakis topped the visitors' scoring with 16 points.

Romania's defensive intensity told the story: after allowing Greece to control the opening quarters, Silvasan's side tightened up considerably in the second half. The hosts' ability to hold Greece to 66 points — and to withstand a 14-point run — reflects a team that grew in confidence as the game wore on. Ten different scorers for Romania underlined their attacking depth, while the +12 plus-minus for Russell highlighted his on-court impact.

Greece (3-2) missed the chance to secure Second Round qualification and now face a nervier path. Romania (2-3) breathed life into their campaign and head into their final First Round fixture against Montenegro in with a genuine shot at progressing.

This was not a fluke. Romania defended with discipline, shared the ball, and had the best player on the floor in Russell. For Greece, a stinging reality check: even a roster featuring EuroLeague experience is vulnerable on the road if the intensity dips. Romania proved the gap between rankings and on-court performance can be vast.