Latvia Dominates Lithuania with 98-63 Victory in FIBA Basketball World Cup
In a stunning display of dominance, Latvia concluded their impressive run in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a resounding 98-63 win over Lithuania at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, September 9.
The Latvian team showcased their superiority by unleashing a scorching 20-5 run that spanned the second and third quarters, completely dismantling Lithuania and securing a commendable fifth-place finish in the tournament. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering Latvia’s absence from the previous edition held in China.
Leading the charge for Latvia was Arturs Kurucs, who spearheaded their blistering run. With the game locked at 43-34 late in the first half, Kurucs ignited the offense, ultimately finishing with an impressive 20 points, including six successful shots from beyond the arc. Roland Smits and Andrejs Grazulis also provided crucial support, contributing 17 and 12 points, respectively. Furthermore, Rodion Kurucs recorded 11 points and six assists, making him another notable contributor in the victory.
Latvia’s dominance was evident during the third quarter when they outclassed their Baltic neighbors, limiting Lithuania to a mere nine points while pouring in 28 points themselves. This surge allowed Latvia to establish a commanding lead that stretched as high as 37 points in the second half.
For Lithuania, Rokas Jokubaitis led the scoring with 16 points, closely followed by Jonas Valanciunas with 15 points and eight rebounds. Despite their strong three-point shooting throughout the tournament, Lithuania struggled in this game, converting only 4 of their 24 attempts from long range.
Overall, Latvia’s victory solidifies their memorable campaign in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, leaving a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike.
