Sasha Vezenkov puts out MONSTER 40-point,18 rebound performance to keep Bulgaria in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 contention
Sasha Vezenkov has been putting on a clinic with Olympiacos all season, but his performances with the Bulgarian national team had yet to reach that same level—until now. In a must-win game against Sweden, Vezenkov delivered a performance for the ages, erupting for a jaw-dropping 40-point, 18-rebound double-double to propel Bulgaria to an 81-77 overtime victory and keep their FIBA EuroBasket 2025 dreams alive.
Vezenkov - another performance for the Ages
Vezenkov was relentless, logging over 43 minutes on the court and dominating on both ends of the floor. The Olympiacos star showcased all his offensive repertoire, shooting a clinical 7-of-11 from two-point range, 6-of-14 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. His all-around brilliance resulted in a staggering efficiency rating of 49—the highest recorded in the qualifiers so far.
Bulgaria needed a hero, and Vezenkov answered the call, delivering clutch baskets in the dying moments of overtime to seal the victory. His ability to perform under pressure was nothing short of spectacular, reaffirming his status as one of Europe’s premier talents.
For Sweden, Melwin Pantzar led the charge with 22 points and 6 rebounds, while Simon Birgander posted a hard-fought double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
A Fight to the Finish
Despite Bulgaria’s heroic effort, they fell just short of overturning Sweden’s 14-point win from the previous qualifying window to swing the tiebreaker. Vezenkov acknowledged the challenge but remained proud of his team’s resilience:
“Fourteen points was really tough. But I am proud of these guys. The third quarter was magnificent, and we got close, but we couldn’t do it.”
Looking ahead, Bulgaria faces a daunting final qualifier against the reigning world champions, Germany. Whether Vezenkov will be available for that game remains uncertain, as he weighs his commitments with Olympiacos.
“We will fight against Germany until the end. I don’t know yet if I will play against the Germans. I have to talk to my team. You know what the schedule is, and what games are coming up. Whenever I can, I am available. Let tonight pass and we will see,” he said.
What’s Next for Bulgaria?
With one game remaining, Bulgaria’s EuroBasket fate hangs in the balance. The showdown against Germany promises to be a massive test, but if Vezenkov suits up, Bulgaria will have every reason to believe in the impossible. One thing is certain—when the lights are brightest, Sasha Vezenkov delivers.
Die Mannschaft, current FIBA World Cup champs, will be keen to set things right in Bamberg after easily disposing of Montenegro thanks to Thiemann, Pleiss, and Bonga in Podgorica. Will they be able to stop Sasha Vezenkov? Against Obst's Bayern Munich, the forward was able to output 45 points whilst dribbling only three times.
