EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers: Montenegro defeated on the road, still qualify for EuroBasket

Montenegro has been defeated on the road against Sweden following an OT thriller in the final EuroBasket qualifying game. Despite the loss, Montenegro still secured a spot in the upcoming EuroBasket as Germany defeated Bulgaria today. 

Sweden controlled the advantage tonight for most of the game, despite that Montenegro made sure the hosts didn't run away with the advantage as the biggest lead they allowed Sweden to have was 8. The final quarter was close, neither team could grasp control of the advantage, and following an exciting final minute of regulation overtime was needed. In the overtime period, the Swedes managed to squeeze out a narrow 3-point victory to secure a EuroBasket spot. 

Nikola Ivanović had a big game for his country, he led Montenegro in scoring with a game-high 26 points to go along with 4 assists and 3 steals. 

FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers Group D Round 5, Thursday, 20 February 2025:

SWEDEN - Montenegro 86:83 (20:14, 12:19, 21:18, 19:21, 14:11)
Birgander 19, Pantzar 18 | Ivanović 26, Jonah Radebaugh 24.