Sweden offered an inspirational effort against the World Stian Lithuania in the last group game match in Eurobasket in 2025. Despite a strong start and lead at halftime, it ended with a scarce loss, 74-71. But the team has already written history – Sweden is on to the eighth finals in Riga.
The match started with an energetic Swedish team that took the lead 2-10 after only a few minutes, where Pelle Larsson accounted for 6 points early. The attack game floated at good pace and patience, and Sweden held Lithuania on the toes through rapid transitions from defense to attack. The first period ended with a 5-0-run via a third from Tobbe Borg and a Layup from Barra Njie, which gave Sweden a 14-21 lead.
In the second period, Sweden continued to impress. Denzel Andersson set three straight penalties and Pelle Larsson thumped in additional points after returning from Ludde Håkanson. Ludde himself sprinkled in a third and Sweden led 33-39 at halftime. Four players had then scored 6 points or more, with Pelle at the top of 11.
The third period became tougher. Lithuania came out strong and took the lead after a 16-4-run. Sweden struggled to find the rhythm of the attack game, but still managed to stay in the match thanks to strong defense and important points from Pelle and Ludde. Prior to the fourth period, the score was 54–53.
The fourth period offered great drama. Sweden took the lead again after points from Barra Njie and Pelle, who were red hot with both threes and drives. With three minutes left, it was 65-67 to Sweden. But Lithuania answered, and with only seconds left, they managed to keep away. Despite a final attempt from Sweden, the match ended 74-71.
🎙️ Voices from the press conference
“I think we make a really good match against an incredible basketball country,” said Coach Ludwig Riipinen. We are disappointed that we could not win, but proud of the effort.
– We play well, but do not really manage to close the match. They are large, experienced and take many returns, said Ludde Håkanson.
When asked what it takes to win even matches, Riipinen replied: – It is about experience and details such as a penalty throw, defensive returns and ball control. We have given a lot to be in the matches, and that is something we should be proud of.
Despite the loss, Sweden is on to the eighth finals in Riga – a goal that the team set before the tournament.
– It’s hard to take in. This is the result of many people’s work – players, leaders, fans and people in the union. We have done something historical, Riipinen said.
– We are so happy. This is a great success for Swedish basketball, Ludde said.
