The play-offs got off to an exciting start, with the opening game staying extremely close in the early stages. Romania then took control in the second quarter, going on a 13-point run that included two back-to-back three-pointers to build a 37:27 lead. Bulgaria responded quickly, cutting the deficit to just three points at halftime (39:42). From there, the game remained competitive, with Romania holding a narrow advantage as they searched for their first win of the tournament. And they got it. Romania stayed composed in the closing minutes to secure an 81:71 victory and earn a spot in tomorrow’s game for fifth place. The most efficient player was Tudor Popescu with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists for an efficiency rating of 20.

A rematch of last year’s final between Slovenia and Croatia was next. The hosts started slightly better, but Croatia took control in the second quarter and went into halftime with a 29:26 lead. Slovenia responded strongly after the break, scoring nine consecutive points to regain the lead at 36:34. However, the hosts, who were still searching for their first win, could not hold on to their advantage. Croatia opened the final quarter with a nine-point run, building a more comfortable lead and eventually securing a 67:61 victory. With the win, Croatia advanced to tomorrow’s game for fifth place. The most efficient player was Viktor Vidmar with 19 points, six rebounds and one assist for an efficiency rating of 15.

In the first semi-final of the day, Hungary and Slovakia battled for a place in the gold medal game. Hungary came out strong and quickly built an advantage, taking a 15-point lead into halftime (39:24). They continued to play with intensity and focus after the break, keeping Slovakia from finding a way back into the game. Hungary controlled the final quarter and comfortably secured a 71:44 victory. Still undefeated, Hungary are heading into tomorrow’s final, where they will fight for gold. The most efficient player was Ádam Mónus with seven points, seven rebounds and three assists for an efficiency rating of 16.

In the second semi-final, Poland took on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Polish players took control early, finishing the first half with a commanding 46:30 lead. Their momentum continued after the break, with two consecutive three-pointers extending the advantage to 20 points. Poland’s dominance did not slow down, and with four minutes remaining, they reached the 100-point mark. The final buzzer was heard with Poland comfortably ahead, 107:65, confirming their place in tomorrow’s final, where they will fight for gold. The most efficient player was Franciszek Prieba with 21 points and two rebounds for an efficiency rating of 22.