Luka Doncic delivered a game-high 39 points, but Slovenia could not overcome France’s late surge in a 103-95 defeat at EuroBasket 2025 in Katowice.

The matchup featured 12 lead changes and 15 ties before France pulled away in the closing minutes. With the score locked at 83-83 and four minutes left, Les Bleus responded with a decisive 8-0 run.

Alexandre Sarr anchored the defensive effort with two blocks and five rebounds, while Guerschon Yabusele and Elie Okobo scored in succession to create separation. France never trailed again.

Sylvain Francisco provided the spark offensively, posting 32 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He also shot a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, helping erase concerns about France’s backcourt playmaking heading into the tournament.

Slovenia stayed competitive behind Doncic’s all-around performance. The Los Angeles Lakers star added eight rebounds and nine assists, while shooting 19-of-20 from the line. Klemen Prepelic chipped in 15 points, and Edo Muric scored 16 with eight boards.

Despite the strong individual effort, turnovers proved costly for Slovenia. The team committed 14 miscues compared to France’s nine, which led to transition opportunities that shifted momentum late.

France also controlled the rebounding battle 35-32 and outscored Slovenia 35-25 in the fourth quarter. Zaccharie Risacher added 12 points off the bench, while Bilal Coulibaly contributed 13 points on efficient shooting.

The result keeps France perfect in Group D at 2-0, joining Poland and Israel in the early qualification race. Slovenia, meanwhile, has dropped to 0-2 after earlier falling to Poland, leaving little margin for error in the remaining group games.

Doncic, who is averaging 37.5 points through two contests, continues to lead the tournament in scoring but will need more support if Slovenia hopes to advance. They next face Belgium on August 31.

France will look to maintain its momentum when it faces Israel in its next group-stage matchup.