Vezenkov explodes for 36 points as Bulgaria beats Romania 103-86 in EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers

Sasha Vezenkov, forward for Olympiacos and the Bulgarian national team, delivered an incredible performance in the EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers. Playing away against Romania, Vezenkov scored 36 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, dished 6 assists, and posted a 46 efficiency rating – a near-perfect figure at the FIBA level. He shot 9/11 on two-pointers, 4/8 on three-pointers, and 6/7 from the free-throw line, leading Bulgaria to a dominant 103-86 victory. The game, held on November 24, 2026, is part of the second pre-qualifying round for EuroBasket 2029. Bulgaria now tops the group with a 1-0 record, while Romania drops to 1-1 and Denmark to 0-1. The 17-point margin gives Bulgaria a significant advantage in the race for the qualifying spot. Notably, Vezenkov had not played an official game since June 13, 2026, but he showed outstanding form. He played 33 minutes and 36 seconds, a high number for a pre-qualifier, reflecting the coaching staff's absolute trust. Vezenkov's presence not only provided scoring but also created spacing for teammates, especially with naturalized player Cody Miller-McIntyre absent. Replacement Umoja Gibson (Barcelona) contributed 11 points and 9 assists, fitting well into the system. Tactically, Bulgaria built its offense around Vezenkov. He can score from all three levels: inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc. His catch-and-shoot ability and intelligent off-ball movement caused constant trouble for Romania's defense. His 6 assists also indicate an expanded playmaking role, compensating for Miller-McIntyre's absence. However, there are risks. Playing over 33 minutes in a lower-tier competition raises workload management concerns ahead of the EuroLeague season. Bulgaria's heavy reliance on Vezenkov means an injury could significantly hurt their qualification hopes. Nevertheless, with current form, Vezenkov deserves the label 'unstoppable'. Bulgaria's next game is against Denmark. If they maintain this level, they can secure a spot in the EuroBasket 2029 qualifiers. Meanwhile, Romania needs a big effort to recover from this home loss.