Latvian basketball team wins in Netherlands in Gailītis' official debut
The Latvian men's basketball team defeated the Netherlands 72-69 on Friday in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, securing the first official win under new head coach Jānis Gailītis. Artūrs Žagars and Rihards Lomažs each scored 21 points.
Latvia earned a hard-fought 72-69 victory over the Netherlands in Group F of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualification on Friday. The game marked the official debut of head coach Jānis Gailītis, who took over after a series of friendlies.
The visitors trailed throughout the first quarter, ending it down 18-26. They turned the game around in the second period, leading 41-33 at halftime. Rihards Lomažs had already scored 15 points by the break.
The Netherlands regained the lead in the third quarter, but Latvia responded in the fourth. Key free throws by Artūrs Žagars and Kristaps Ķilps in the final minute sealed the win at 72-69.
Žagars and Lomažs led Latvia with 21 points each, with Lomažs also grabbing six rebounds. Artūrs Strautiņš contributed eight points and seven rebounds, while Kristaps Ķilps added seven points and five rebounds. For the Netherlands, Keje van der Vurst posted 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Poland remains perfect in the group with five wins. The Netherlands and Latvia each have two wins, while Austria has one. Latvia's next game is at home against Austria on Monday.
In previous friendlies, Latvia lost to Estonia and Georgia, while the Netherlands lost to Australia and China. The final first-round game for Latvia will be against Austria.
