Greece ended a difficult three-game losing streak in dramatic fashion, edging Spain 108-106 in overtime to improve its position in the 2027 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers.
Konstantinos Mitoglou and Tyler Dorsey produced career-best performances, scoring 29 points apiece. Veteran guard Nick Calathes also played an important role with 13 points and eight assists.
The victory moved Greece to 4-4 in Group I with four games remaining and eased concerns about potentially missing the World Cup for the first time since 2002.
“It was a do-or-die game for us and we can be proud of how we responded against a great team like Spain. This was one of the best games I have been at – as a player or coach. It was a joy to watch,” Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis said. “We are calm, we are proud, but it’s just a big win for us that will give us a big, big push for the next game.”
Greece appeared to be taking control after building a nine-point advantage entering the fourth quarter and later extending the margin to 12. Spain responded, however, cutting the deficit to 84-83 with one minute remaining.
Dorsey converted two free throws before Juancho Hernangomez knocked down an open three-pointer with 6.6 seconds left to force overtime.
Greece regained the advantage in the extra period, with Mitoglou helping establish a five-point cushion following an unsportsmanlike foul. Spain had another opportunity late, but Joel Parra split two free throws with 13 seconds remaining instead of tying the game.
“It’s not easy to go into overtime in a game like this and win. It’s very, very difficult because you don’t know how it is. You need a lot of courage and a big heart to win a game like this,” Spanoulis added.
Parra led Spain with 18 points, Mario Saint-Supery scored 16 and Aday Mara recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds. The loss dropped Spain to 5-3 and extended its own losing streak to three games.
“Today is a day to be sad because we lost and we never want to lose; but when we go to bed tonight we can be proud of this fight,” Spain coach Chus Mateo said.
The thriller unfolded before 17,677 fans in Athens, the third-largest crowd ever recorded for a European World Cup qualifier.
Greece has now defeated Spain in consecutive meetings after also beating the Spanish at EuroBasket 2025, giving Spanoulis’ team renewed momentum heading into the final four qualifying games.
