Eurobasket in Ljubljana: Slovenians are not afraid of anyone

The Slovenian under-20 basketball team secured a dominant victory over Romania in Ljubljana during the European Championship, finishing with a score of 95 to 51. The win was part of their group stage campaign, which saw them defeat Czech Republic and Israel before facing Romania. The margin of victory was more than 25 points, showcasing the strength and cohesion of the young squad. The match took place on July 14, 2026, and marked another step forward for Slovenia’s emerging talent pool. The team, composed primarily of players born in 2006 and younger, has already made waves in recent international competitions, including earning bronze medals at the European Championship 2024 in Finland and the World Cup 2025 in Switzerland. This latest triumph reinforces their growing reputation as a formidable force in youth basketball. Head coach Danijel Radosavljević emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, noting that while the team had already secured a top spot in their group, they remained focused on the challenges ahead. “We could have taken this game with our left hand,” he said, highlighting the team's confidence. “But we know the preparation was demanding due to missing key players, so every second counts in developing our game.” One standout performer was Mark Padjen, who contributed 17 points to the team’s victory. His performance included a crucial three-point shot during the game, helping to solidify Slovenia’s lead. Another notable contributor was Lovro Lapajne, who scored 14 points and played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Lapajne expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the next challenge, stating, “We’ve played well in all three games, and all twelve players have been given opportunities. Our next opponents will have a tough task preparing against us.” The Slovenian team’s path continues into the quarterfinals, where they will face Belgium on Wednesday at 6:30 PM local time. Belgium, having lost all three of its group stage matches, presents a new challenge for Slovenia. A win would set up a potential clash with one of the tournament’s top teams in the semifinals. The outcome of this match will determine whether Slovenia can maintain its momentum and continue its pursuit of higher honors. Looking ahead, the team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be critical. With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, Slovenia has the potential to make a deep run in the competition. Their previous successes suggest that they are capable of competing at the highest level, even against some of Europe’s strongest teams. As the team prepares for its next encounter, the focus remains on execution and teamwork. The young squad has shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament, and their continued growth will be essential in achieving their goals. The road to the finals is long, but Slovenia has proven it is ready to take on whatever comes next.