Riga, 15 September 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Captain Dennis Schröder delivered when it mattered as world champions Germany came from behind to beat Turkey 88-83 for the 2025 European basketball title on Sunday.

Schröder scored the final six points of the match from 83-82 down for a total of 16, plus 12 assists, after a slow start as Germany won the continental title for the second time after 1993.

Turkey led for most of the match but eventually had to settle for second as in 2001 as a game-leading 28 points from Alperen Sengun were not enough, while Isaac Bunga paced Germany with 20 points.

"You realise how hard you work for this. As a child you dream of hitting these baskets in such a match," Bunga told broadcasters RTL, adding in reference to the team spirit in the three-week event: "It felt like a school trip with your best friends."

German basketball federation president Ingo Weiss said: "It was unbelievable. The boys really wanted it and fought until the end. Everyone fights for each other. The team is the star."

Germany rebound from poor start

Germany had another poor start en route to an early 13-2 deficit against the aggressive Turks from two three-pointers from Cedi Osman and one from Shane Larkin.

A German time-out changed the momentum as they went on a 12-1 run to tie at 14-14 from a pair of Schröder free throws, and they led for the first time from Tristan da Silva's three-pointer for 19-16 en route to a 24-22 first-quarter lead.

Franz Wagner had 14 of his 18 points early but there were plenty of turnovers and Turkey managed to keep Schröder out of the game as he could have also been handicapped by an elbow problem.

Tight game

Turkey led 46-40 at the half, backed by 15 points from Sengun who however also picked up three fouls.

Schröder hit his first field goal of the night with a three-pointer for the first points of the second half where no team managed to pull away as Turkey entered the final quarter with a slender 67-66 lead.

It swelled to 76-71 but three pointers from Andreas Obst and Isaac Bonga put the Germans up 77-76 with 3:35 remaining.

Schröder makes the difference

The lead moved back and fourth before Schröder struck, and then converted again with 19.9 seconds left for 86-83 after Germany got a vital defensive rebound.

Cencun then missed on a three-pointer to tie, and two more free throws from Schröder, who was named tournament MVP before lifting the trophy, settled the affair under the eyes of German President Franz-Walter Steinmeier.

Germany overcome hardship

The continental title came two years after a maiden world title, and after last year's disappointment of coming fourth at the Paris Olympics.

Germany prevailed despite the absence of key players such as Moritz Wagner and NBA-champion Isaiah Hartenstein. In addition, coach Alex Mumbru suffered an abdominal illness right before the start, with assistant Alan Ibrahimagic in charge.

"Everyone is happy, we are a team and did our job," Ibrahimagic said. "It was a tough and close game. We have unbelievable players who can decide such games."

Twice champions Greece earlier took the bronze medal with a 92-89 victory over surprise team Finland, thanks to 30 points and 17 rebounds from their NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Photo: EPA