RIGA (Latvia) – In front of a roaring home crowd, the Latvian national team delivered one of their most explosive performances in decades, dismantling their Group A opponents 109-75 in a statement victory that tied a long-standing national record.
For only the fifth time in tournament history, Latvia surpassed the 100-point mark in a FIBA EuroBasket game—matching their highest output ever: 109 points, a figure last reached in 2005 during an overtime thriller.
This time, however, there would be no heartbreak. Just dominance.
From the opening tip, Latvia moved the ball with precision, defended with intensity, and lit up the scoreboard with balanced scoring and relentless energy. By the final buzzer, fans had witnessed not just a win, but a milestone.
"We’ve been building toward moments like this. When everything clicks—defense, pace, shots falling—it’s beautiful to see."
— Kristof R, team leader and forward
The turning point came in the third quarter, where Latvia unleashed a 28-12 run that turned a solid lead into an insurmountable gap. Their defense clamped down, forcing turnovers and contested shots, while the offense flowed like a well-oiled machine.
By the start of the fourth quarter, the lead had ballooned to 30 points, and the celebration had already begun in the stands.
Player of the Match: Edgars Valters
Edgars Valters was unstoppable, finishing with 20 points on near-perfect efficiency—4-of-4 inside the arc, 3-of-6 from beyond—and adding 5 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action. With the game under control early, the coaching staff was able to rest key players ahead of the knockout rounds.
“It’s always special when you can perform in front of your people,” Valters said. “But the real win is the team’s growth. We’re peaking at the right time.”
Latvia’s offensive explosion was a group effort. Five players reached double figures:
- Kaspars T – 16 points, 7 rebounds
- Dairis R – 20 points, including four three-pointers
- Rolands M – 16 points, strong inside presence
- Arturs K – 12 points off the bench
- Valters – 20 points
The team shot an impressive 60% from two-point range in the first half and knocked down 9-of-19 from deep. They also dished out 17 assists on 22 made field goals in the opening 20 minutes, showcasing their unselfish ball movement.
Stats That Tell the Story
- 109 total points – tied national record
- 28-12 third-quarter advantage
- 75% assist rate on made baskets (17 assists on 22 FGs in first half)
- 52% three-point shooting for the game
While their opponents showed flashes of skill, they were unable to match Latvia’s pace or defensive pressure, especially in the second half. The loss marked the end of a tough campaign for the Central European side, who competed without their veteran floor general due to injury.
Injury Watch Latvia enters the next phase with some concerns. Starting guard Andrejs G sat out with an ankle issue, while Kristers Z remained sidelined in street clothes. Backup playmaker Arturs Z returned from a hamstring scare but played only 13 minutes, finishing with 3 points and 4 assists.
Still, the mood remains positive.
"I’m feeling better. The scan was clear, so it’s just tightness now. I’ll be ready when the team needs me most."
— Arturs Z, guard
Head coach Luca B has guided the team through ups and downs, including a rocky start to the tournament. But with the offense clicking and the defense improving, momentum is on their side.
"We weren’t sharp at the beginning, but we’ve grown with each game. The trajectory is going up. That’s all you can ask for at this stage."
— Kaspars T
When asked about a teammate’s bold claim that they’re still favorites to reach the Final, Kaspars T smiled.
"That kind of belief is exactly what we need. We’re at home. We’ve got nothing to lose. Let’s leave everything on the floor and see how far we can go."
Final Word Though Latvia had already secured third place in Group A before tip-off, they played like a team with everything to prove. With the record-tying performance and fans chanting long after the final whistle, Riga believes.
And as the Final Phase approaches, one thing is clear: this team isn’t just scoring points.
They’re making history.
Game Recap:
Latvia erupts for 109 in dominant home victory
Sep 4, 2025
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