Germany out-class Finland to roar into Eurobasket final

Germany's Dennis Schroder shoots during the Eurobasket semi-final lucifer betwixt Germany and Finland astatine the Riga Arena successful Riga, Latvia, Friday. [Sergei Grits/AP]

Point defender Dennis Schroeder scored 26 points and dished retired 12 assists arsenic Germany blazed past Finland 98-86 to publication their spot successful Sunday’s Eurobasket final, bringing the singular tally of the Finns to a shuddering halt.

One of 4 co-hosts on with Cyprus, Poland and Latvia, Finland were appearing successful the semi-finals for the archetypal time, and though they started well, they were σύντομα unopen down by the reigning FIBA World Cup champions.

Franz Wagner came retired strong with 20 first-half points arsenic Schroeder carved unfastened the Finnish defense, grabbing 8 assists to springiness the Germans a 61-47 pb astatine the break.

The Finns came storming back, cutting the shortage to six precocious successful the third 4th but again the Germans turned up their defense, shutting down Finnish star antheral Lauri Markkanen and limiting him to 16 points arsenic helium scored a paltry two of his 9 three-pointers.

Germany will play the winner of Friday’s 2nd semi-final betwixt Greece and Turkey successful Sunday’s decider, with Finland taking connected the loser successful the bronze-medal game. [Reuters]