EuroBasket 2025 Shock: France Stunned by Georgia in Nail-Biting 80-70 Defeat

• How Did Georgia Pull Off This Historic Upset?
• Where Did France Go Wrong?
• What’s Next for Both Teams?
• The Bigger Picture: EuroBasket’s Unpredictability
• FAQ: Your EuroBasket 2025 Questions Answered

In a twist nobody saw coming, the French national basketball team ("Les Bleus") crashed out of EuroBasket 2025 after an embarrassing 80-70 loss to underdogs Georgia during the Round of 16 in Riga. The September 7th upset—arguably the tournament’s biggest stunner so far—left fans and analysts scrambling for explanations. Below, we break down how Georgia outmaneuvered France’s star-studded roster, complete with tactical analysis, post-game reactions, and what this means for both teams moving forward.

How Did Georgia Pull Off This Historic Upset?

Georgia’s victory wasn’t just luck—it was a masterclass in defensive discipline and clutch shooting. While France relied heavily on their NBA-tier talent (think Victor Wembanyama and Evan Fournier), Georgia’s coach Ilias Zouros deployed a zone defense that neutralized France’s perimeter game. The stats tell the story: France shot a dismal 28% from three-point range, while Georgia’s guard duo of Thaddus McFadden and Duda Sanadze combined for 45 points. "We knew France’s weak spot was their half-court execution," admitted Zouros post-game. "Our job was to make every possession a grind."

Where Did France Go Wrong?

Les Bleus entered the tournament as favorites but struggled with cohesion throughout. Turnovers (18 in this game alone) and poor shot selection haunted them. Center Mouhammadou Jaiteh (pictured above) summed it up: "We played like individuals, not a team." Analysts from BTCC’s sports desk noted that France’s reliance on iso plays—a strategy that worked in group stages—backfired against Georgia’s swarming defense. Meanwhile, Georgia’s bench outscored France’s 30-12, a stat that screams "lack of depth."

What’s Next for Both Teams?

For Georgia, this win propels them into the quarterfinals against Spain—a David-vs-Goliath matchup that’s already generating buzz. As for France, the fallout begins. Coach Vincent Collet faces scrutiny for failing to adjust his rotations, and rumors swirl about roster changes before the 2026 FIBA World Cup. "This loss hurts, but it’s a wake-up call," said Wembanyama in a post-game interview. "We’ll be back."

The Bigger Picture: EuroBasket’s Unpredictability

This game underscores why EuroBasket remains basketball’s most thrilling tournament. Unlike the NBA’s superstar-driven narratives, international play rewards teamwork and adaptability. Georgia’s win—their first ever over France—joins a growing list of Cinderella stories, from Slovenia’s 2017 title run to Germany’s 2023 gold. As one courtside commentator put it: "In Europe, every game is a potential revolution."

FAQ: Your EuroBasket 2025 Questions Answered

Why was France favored over Georgia?

France boasted a roster packed with NBA players and a FIBA ranking of #4 globally. Georgia, ranked #32, had never advanced past the group stage before this year.

How significant is this loss for French basketball?

Historically, France has medaled in 3 of the last 5 EuroBaskets. This early exit marks their worst performance since 2011.

Can Georgia replicate this success against Spain?

Spain’s veteran Core (led by the Hernangómez brothers) presents a tougher challenge, but Georgia’s momentum makes them dangerous.