Laksa and Lomažs Lead Latvia, But Debutants Fall to Estonia in Friendly
Latvia's men's basketball team lost to Estonia 78:88 in a friendly in Tallinn on Friday, despite 19 points from Rihards Lomažs and 5 three-pointers from Mārtiņš Laksa. Three players made their debuts, and Jānis Gailītis coached his first game as head coach.
The Latvian men's national basketball team lost to Estonia 78:88 in a friendly game in Tallinn on Friday, June 26. Rihards Lomažs scored 19 points, while Mārtiņš Laksa hit five three-pointers for 16 points. The game was broadcast on the TET+ platform.
Jānis Gailītis took the helm as head coach for the first time, having previously served as an assistant. In that role, he was part of Latvia's 75:72 win over Belgium in EuroBasket 2025 qualifying on November 22, 2024.
The new coach brought 13 players to Tallinn. All were registered for the game, though Gunārs Grīnvalds only appeared at the end. Juris Vītols participated only in early practices; Mārcis Šteinbergs, Rolands Šmits, and Artūrs Žagars did not play in Tallinn.
Two of three newcomers debuted in the first half. Ričards Aizpurs played eight minutes before halftime, scoring two points and committing two fouls. Kristians Feierbergs, the new signing for "Rīgas Zeļļi," did not attempt a shot in his first three minutes.
Estonia's coach Heiko Rannula fielded a relatively young squad, missing Henri Drell, Sanders Raieste, Kaspars Treier, Kristians Kullamäe, Artur Konontšuk, Jonas Riismaa, and Mart Rosenthal.
Starting lineups: Estonia: Suurorg, Vaks, Joesaar, Hermet, Kotsar; Latvia: Leimanis, Lomažs, Strautiņš, Blumbergs, Čavars.
The first 10 minutes belonged to Latvia, led by Rihards Lomažs' aggressive play. The captain quickly scored nine points. However, Estonia's rising star Stefan Vaks hit four three-pointers for 14 points. After the first quarter, Latvia led 24:23.
Estonia's three-point shooting proved decisive. They made 10 of 18 (55%) in the first half, while Latvia made 5 of 16 (31%). Artūrs Strautiņš made two three-pointers and combined with Lomažs for 22 of Latvia's 40 first-half points. At halftime, Latvia trailed 40:46.
Latvia's comeback began midway through the third quarter. Lomažs hit a three and drew a foul, and Laksa hit two consecutive threes. An 11-2 run gave Latvia a 54:53 lead. After a quiet stretch broken by Estonian free throws, Strautiņš answered to tie it 56:56. Late in the quarter, Beklers and Suurorg hit threes to restore Estonia's lead at 62:60.
Laksa continued to challenge Estonia from beyond the arc. The sniper hit his fourth three to keep the deficit at 63:67. But Estonia's lead grew to 63:74. Laksa hit a fifth three, while Vaks reignited Estonia's offense. Estonia held on to secure the win.
Next up: Latvia faces Georgia on June 28 at 7 PM in the Riga Arena.
