Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

“I Was Sorry” – Sylvain Francisco Admits Regret After Controversial Final Play Over Luka Doncic in EuroBasket 2025

Sylvain Francisco apology overshadows France’s fiery EuroBasket win

Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Sylvain Francisco issued a public apology on Saturday after his late-game decision overshadowed France’s 103–95 win over Slovenia and Luka Doncic at FIBA EuroBasket 2025.

The French guard delivered a career night, scoring 32 points and guiding his team past Slovenia in a crucial group-stage matchup. But what should have been a straightforward finish turned controversial in the final seconds.

With France leading 101–92 and Slovenia already conceding defeat, Luka Doncic approached Francisco to exchange handshakes. Instead of letting the clock run out, Francisco rushed toward the basket and converted an uncontested layup. The unexpected move infuriated the Slovenians, sparking an on-court confrontation that forced officials to intervene.

Luka goes to shake hands before a late bucket, leading to a little scuffle at the end of the France Slovenia game. pic.twitter.com/z28sjm98rw
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) August 30, 2025

After a video review, technical fouls were handed to Francisco and Gregor Hrovat, while Nadir Hifi was ejected for entering the court from the bench.

Speaking after the game, Francisco admitted he had made a mistake. “I said I was sorry,” he told reporters. “I actually went to shake hands and go to the layup like I said to Luka. The only thing that I really regret is just shaking hands — I should have told him, ‘Nah, play defense,’ because I was going for a tie.“

“You know, we’ve got point differential, which is really important in EuroBasket, and that’s why it just clicked in my head. At the end of the day, I would never do that, but I take full responsibility for it, and I just gotta move forward.”

Francisco’s Career Night Came With Personal Bests

Despite the late-game controversy, Francisco’s performance was one for the record books. He finished with 32 points on perfect shooting inside the arc (7/7 2PT), added two three-pointers, and converted all 12 of his free throws. Alongside seven rebounds and five assists, his efficiency rating of 40 set a new personal high, moving past his previous best of 19.

Slovenia, meanwhile, struggled to contain France’s transition game, conceding 25 points on the break and allowing 60 percent shooting inside the paint.

Luka Doncic carried Slovenia with another excellent outing, scoring 39 points for the second consecutive game. The Lakers star hit four three-pointers, added nine assists, eight rebounds, and two steals. Nearly perfect from the line, he made 19 of 20 free throws, though it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.