Photo: FIBA

Dennis Schroder delivered in the closing moments as Germany escaped with a 96-94 overtime victory against previously unbeaten Poland in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.

Schroder led Germany with 18 points and five assists, while his two free throws with 17 seconds remaining ultimately provided the winning margin.

Johannes Thiemann recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds, Maodo Lo added 13 points, and Isaac Bonga finished with 10 points and five steals.

Germany entered the fourth quarter holding a 70-58 advantage, but Poland erased the deficit and forced overtime after Jaroslaw Zyskowski missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the end of regulation.

The teams were tied again at 94-94 late in overtime before Schroder converted both of his free throws.

Poland received another opportunity following offensive fouls at both ends, but Przemyslaw Zolnierewicz could not connect on the final attempt.

Mateusz Ponitka led Poland with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Igor Milicic contributed 18 points and eight rebounds, while Jordan Loyd scored 16.

Elsewhere in Group K, Ivica Zubac and Dario Saric scored 24 points apiece as Croatia survived the Netherlands for a 101-99 victory.

Zubac also collected 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Saric added six assists.

Croatia overcame a double-digit deficit before David N’Guessan missed the Netherlands’ final opportunity with four seconds remaining.

Germany, Croatia and Poland now share 7-1 records at the top of Group K, with the three highest-placed teams ultimately qualifying for the World Cup.