8th.
17:29
Ignas Brazdeikis has the first free throws of the game. The 23-year-old, who played for Orlando Magic last season, still has a shaky wrist and only hits one of two shots.
7.
17:26
After the turbulent first few minutes, things calm down a bit. That gives time to take a look at the litter ratios. Slovenia still has room for two, where the quota of 40 percent can be expanded. Lithuania scores 50 percent here, just like in the threes. Again, Slovenia sets the tone there with 71 percent.
5.
17:22
The hall in Cologne is mostly in the hands of the Lithuanian fans. 18,000 fans are expected for the Germany game tonight, but many are already there and most of them are out and about in yellow and green. They make a lot of noise as soon as their team is successful.
3.
17:20
Slovenia starts like the fire brigade. Luka Dončić is immediately up to speed and hits with his first throw from a distance.
17:11
Slovenia and Lithuania will also meet the German national team in Group B, who play their opening game against France in the evening (8.30 p.m.). Hungary and Bosnia complete the group. There are four groups of six teams each, with the top four teams in each group advancing to the round of 16. In contrast to previous tournaments, apart from the game for 3rd place, there are no further placement games.
17:05
On the other hand, Lithuania is always to be expected. The country is known for its basketball madness and highly regarded youth development. Arvydas Sabonis is a multi-award-winning basketball legend, and now his son Domantas is part of the European Championship team. Jonas Valančiūnas is also one of the best zone players, and you always have to have Marius Grigonis or Rokas Giedraitis with threes on the list.
16:57
The Slovenians arrive as defending champions. They won the EM 2017 with a 93:85 over Serbia. Goran Dragić was the MVP of the finals at the time. The now 36-year-old is back again this year. The team is led by superstar Luka Dončić. The 23-year-old point guard said goodbye to Real Madrid as Euro-League winners in 2018 and has since played for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. In addition to the two top players, the team is also well positioned across the board and should have a say in the title this year as well.
4:50 p.m
Welcome to the start of the European Basketball Championship 2022! In group B, the favorites will meet between Slovenia and Lithuania on the first matchday! Tip Off is at 5:15 p.m.!