Welcome back to the special EuroBasket 2015 edition of the BAE Index. It’s been a poppin’ tournament so far. Let’s see what happened on Day 3.
BELGIUM AT THE BUZZER
This was a shocking and controversial way to open EuroBasket 2015 Day 3, as the Belgian Lions took down Lithuana on a tip-in buzzer beater that should not have counted. Alas, Belgium is tied atop Group D along with the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Peterri Koponen puts a dagger through Russia
The Finalnd-Russia matchup was essentially an elimination game, with the loser having little chance of advancing out of the group stage. And that loser was Russia, as Peterri Koponen hit a dagger jumper with under five seconds to go to give Finland the lead and the win.
AIRWOLF ALERT
Jan Vesley put on a show for the Czech Republic this morning, throwing down a nasty jam and soaring for a vicious block. He finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks, but it wasn’t enough, as Latvia took home a vital victory.
Elmedin Kikanovic and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s magical day
The Bosnians shocked Israel earlier, thanks mostly to Elmedin Kikanovic, who hit a three to force overtime, then put in the game winner with 0.2 seconds to go.
Rudy Gobert puts on a one-man show
(I know, I know, that’s not the Eiffel Tower, but it’s close enough)
The Stifle Tower was dominant at times this afternoon against Poland, blocking shots with various body parts and throwing down powerful slams. He finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 25 minutes, as France remained undefeated.
Tony Parker taking over as France’s coach
Lol.