The Top 10 Moments from the February FIBA Continental Cups Qualifiers Window
The final February window of the FIBA Continental Cup Qualifiers delivered high drama, history, and heroics. National teams around the globe battled for the last remaining berths to major continental tournaments – from EuroBasket and AfroBasket to the Asia Cup and AmeriCup. In a span of just a few days, fans witnessed everything from clutch qualification-clinching wins to record-breaking individual performances and even a legendary player’s farewell. Here’s a look at the top 10 moments that shaped this pivotal window on the road to FIBA’s continental championships.
Nigeria’s Perfect Comeback Clinches AfroBasket Berth
Nigeria’s national team, D’Tigers, pulled off a stunning comeback in the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. They entered the February window with an alarming 0–3 record – on the verge of missing out on the tournament – but proceeded to sweep all three games in Group B, defeating Libya, Uganda, and Cape Verde. This fantastic turnaround brought Nigeria to a 3–3 overall mark, enough to clinch their AfroBasket berth and remind everyone why they remain a continental powerhouse.
In the span of one weekend, the 2015 African champions rose from the ashes of early setbacks and kept their streak alive (Nigeria has not missed an AfroBasket in 30 years).
Great Britain Clinch EuroBasket 2025 Berth in The Hague
Great Britain ensured their place at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 with a clutch victory on the road in The Hague. The Brits edged the Netherlands 73–69, locking up qualification with a game to spare.
It marks Great Britain’s sixth EuroBasket appearance in the last seven editions – a testament to the program’s growth since making its EuroBasket debut in 2009. The win itself was a nail-biter; Britain led by six in the fourth quarter, fell behind again, then rallied in the final minute to secure their third victory of the campaign and punch their ticket. Captain Carl Wheatle buried a late go-ahead three and Tarik Phillip added a clutch jumper, exemplifying the composure that carried Great Britain over the line.
Great Britain basketball fans were able to celebrate with a "cherry on top" win in Newcastle as Olaseni & co cruised to a 96-75 win against Czechia to clinch second place in Group F.
Madagascar and Libya Return to AfroBasket After Long Absences
Two unfamiliar faces will grace AfroBasket 2025 after a long hiatus: Madagascar and Libya both sealed qualification, marking triumphant returns to Africa’s premier competition. In fact, neither nation had appeared in an AfroBasket final tournament since they hosted the event (Libya in 2009 and Madagascar in 2011).
This time, they turned the tables by earning their spots on merit – fittingly, as hosts of their respective final qualifying groups. Both teams used home-court advantage and passionate crowds to full effect, each finishing with winning records to clinch their berths. The success of Madagascar and Libya, coming back into the AfroBasket family after well over a decade, adds fresh excitement and a dose of history to the upcoming championship.
Vezenkov’s 40-Point, 18-Rebound Explosion keeps Bulgaria Alive
Bulgarian star Aleksandar “Sasha” Vezenkov delivered arguably the window’s most jaw-dropping individual performance. The reigning EuroLeague MVP showed why he’s one of Europe’s elite by dropping 40 points and grabbing 18 rebounds in an 81–77 overtime thriller against Sweden.
Vezenkov was everywhere on the court, hitting 13 of 25 shots (including six three-pointers) and all 8 of his free throws, while also dishing 4 assists and nabbing 2 steals. His stat line was one for the record books – the 40 points were the second-most by any player in the EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, and the 18 boards were the single-game high in the qualifiers.
Most importantly, the forward scored two baskets in the final 21 seconds of overtime to ice the victory, literally carrying Bulgaria to the win. Vezenkov’s heroics kept Bulgaria’s qualification hopes alive heading into the final game against reigning World Champions Germany, however, he did not get the nod from Olympiacos to play in the final game, where Bulgaria bowed out to Germany, missing out on FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualification.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas Announces His Retirement From the Lithuanian National Team
Lithuanian veteran Mindaugas Kuzminskas used the February window to bid farewell to international basketball, ending a 12-year run with his national team. The 35-year-old forward announced that the EuroBasket Qualifier against Estonia would be his last appearance for Lithuania. Kuzminskas leaves behind a decorated career in the green jersey: he played in four EuroBaskets, three FIBA World Cups, and the 2016 Olympics.
He was part of the Lithuanian squads that won back-to-back EuroBasket silver medals in 2013 and 2015. In an emotional message to fans, Kuzminskas said it felt like the right time to step aside after having “given everything [he] had to the national team”.
His farewell marks the end of an era for Lithuania – Kuzminskas was one of the last links to the team’s early-2010s podium finishes – and his leadership and clutch shooting will be missed as Lithuania moves forward with its new generation.
Georgia Beat Denmark to Secure EuroBasket Ticket
The Georgian team celebrates qualifying for EuroBasket 2025 in Tbilisi, marking their sixth straight EuroBasket appearance. Georgia punched their ticket to EuroBasket 2025 after overcoming a nightmare start in the qualifiers. The Georgians opened 0–2, including a shocking loss to Denmark, but bounced back with three straight wins behind star forward Tornike “Toko” Shengelia’s leadership.
In Tbilisi, Georgia avenged that earlier defeat by edging Denmark 62–60 in a do-or-die game on February 21, a result that secured the second qualifying spot from Group G. The jubilant Georgian squad and home fans celebrated as this victory cemented Georgia’s sixth consecutive EuroBasket final-round appearance.
It’s a streak that dates back to 2011 – a testament to Georgia’s consistency as a European contender.
Tavario Miller Leads Bahamas to FIBA AmeriCup Qualification
The Bahamas made history in the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, clinching a spot in the tournament for the first time in decades – thanks in large part to forward Tavario Miller’s heroics. Playing in front of a raucous home crowd in Nassau, the Bahamian team absolutely had to beat regional rival Cuba to stay alive, and they did so convincingly with a 97–74 victory. Miller was the standout performer, pouring in 26 points on 80% shooting (12-of-15) and grabbing 8 rebounds to lead the charge.
His energy set the tone as the Bahamas opened up a big lead and even achieved the necessary point differential to win a tiebreak. That triumph created a three-way tie for two qualifying spots in Group D, and when the dust settled, the Bahamas emerged with their ticket to the 2025 AmeriCup.
Syria Qualifies for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Dramatic Fashion
Syria provided one of the feel-good moments of the window by sealing their place at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in a heart-stopping finish. In a virtual do-or-die clash in Doha, the Syrians withstood a furious rally by Bahrain to prevail 89–87 and book their ticket.
A 13-point Syria lead was cut to just two in the final minute, and Bahrain even had a chance to steal the win at the buzzer, but the last-second three-point attempt missed and the final horn sparked jubilation in the Syrian camp. By finishing 3–3 in Group F, Syria clinched the second qualifying berth from the group (behind undefeated Lebanon) and became the 12th team confirmed for the Asia Cup.
This will be Syria’s third straight Asia Cup appearance. Even sweeter, the win came as payback against the same Bahrain team that had beaten Syria in the previous window. Syria’s grit and resilience shone through, and their road to Jeddah 2025 is a testament to the team’s unity and determination.
New Zealand and China Avenge Losses to Rival Powerhouses
Two traditional powers in the Asia/Oceania region got their revenge in this window to restore pride and momentum. New Zealand, smarting from their first-ever loss to the Philippines last November, came out firing in Auckland and rolled past Gilas Pilipinas 87–70.
The Tall Blacks caught fire from beyond the arc (13 three-pointers) and led by as many as 28 points, avenging the earlier upset in style. The convincing win secured New Zealand the top spot in their Asia Cup qualifying group with a 5–1 record and reaffirmed their status as a team to beat.
Likewise, China settled a score against Japan, thumping their long-time rivals 100–58 in Shenzhen about a year after suffering a stunning 76–73 defeat in Tokyo. Team Dragon exploded for 31 points in the second quarter and never looked back, clinching their Asia Cup 2025 berth in emphatic fashion.
It was China’s most convincing victory of the qualifiers – one made even sweeter by the context of revenge. The win sent China through to its 24th Asia Cup appearance (they are the winningest nation in the competition with 16 titles).
For both New Zealand and China, these rebound victories were psychological boosts, erasing the sting of earlier losses and sending a message to their regional competitors.
Mario Hezonja’s Scoring Barrage Lights Up EuroBasket Qualifiers
Croatia faced Cyprus during the EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, where an explosive scoring performance took center stage. Croatia’s Mario Hezonja put on a scoring clinic in the final window, delivering two performances for the ages. The 6'8" swingman erupted for 37 points and 11 rebounds in a narrow loss to France, then followed it up by torching Cyprus with 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in Zagreb just days later.
Hezonja let out his frustrations on Cyprus after Croatia had been eliminated from contention – his 40-point outburst was tied for the highest single-game scoring total of the entire Qualifiers window. It was also the highest scoring performance of his professional career to date.
While Croatia ultimately fell short of qualifying (missing EuroBasket for the first time in history), Hezonja’s back-to-back explosions were a reminder of his elite talent. The former NBA lottery pick and current Real Madrid player gave Croatian fans something to cheer about, and his heroics stood out as one of the most memorable individual showcases of the window. As Hezonja walked off to a standing ovation, it was clear that “Super Mario” had left an indelible mark on the February qualifiers, even if the broader team goal fell just out of reach.
