Latvia crushed by Croatia 80:115 in World Cup qualifier in Zadar

Latvia's men's national basketball team lost 80:115 (41:60 at halftime) away to Croatia on Thursday, August 27, in a Group K qualifying match for the 2027 World Cup. Rihards Lomažs led the Latvian scoring with 23 points, followed by Artūrs Strautiņš with 20.

The Latvian team, coached by Jānis Gailītis, Artūrs Visockis-Rubenis and Mārtiņš Gulbis, traveled to Croatia without center Kārlis Šiliņš, who was injured in a recent exhibition game against Ukraine. Croatia, meanwhile, fielded a near-full squad, including Mario Hezonja and NBA center Ivica Zubac.

Match summary

The teams traded early runs, but Croatia gradually pulled away thanks to effective fast breaks, closing the first quarter ahead 23:14. Latvia struggled with fouls, committing 18 personal fouls in the first half alone, with Klāvs Čavars and Mareks Mejeris each picking up three fouls early. Croatia led by 19 points at halftime, 60:41.

The gap widened further in the second half, reaching 22 points in the 26th minute and 30 points by the 29th minute. Free throws played a major role, with Croatia scoring far more points from the line than Latvia (26 to 10), while also outscoring Latvia on fast breaks and off turnovers. By the final minutes, the hosts' lead had grown to 35 points.

Mario Hezonja was Croatia's top scorer with 28 points, followed by Karlo Matković and Luka Božić with 17 each. The loss leaves Latvia with a 3-4 record in the qualifying group. Latvia's next match is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, at 19:00 in Riga against Israel.