Latvia's U-18 Women's Basketball Team Loses to Serbia After Wasting Big Lead

Latvia's U-18 women's basketball team suffered a painful defeat on Sunday in Stockholm, losing 60:64 to Serbia in their second European Championship match. The Latvians were ahead for most of the game, but a disastrous final quarter turned the match around.

After three quarters, Latvia led 54:42, but they were outscored 6:22 in the fourth. At one point in the second half, Latvia held a 17-point advantage, yet Serbia mounted a 14:0 run in the final four minutes to snatch the win.

Ieva Vēvere led Latvia with 15 points. Anete Ozoliņa recorded 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Mila Luzgina contributed 10 points, 6 assists and 3 steals, but also committed 7 turnovers. Serbia's top scorer was Anastasija Jovanova with 17 points.

On Monday, Latvia will face Poland in Group D. Poland defeated Croatia 85:76 on Sunday. Latvia opened the tournament on Saturday with a 72:64 victory over Croatia, while Serbia lost 52:75 to Poland.

In their preparation for the championship, Latvia played six test games in China. In Riga, they lost twice to Israel's U-18 team, and in Germany they split two matches against the hosts. At the Baltic Cup, Latvia lost to Turkey but beat Lithuania and Estonia.

The Latvian team is coached by Rūdolfs Rozītis, with assistants Mudīte Gūtmane and Edgars Ikstens, and physical trainer Ivars Ikstens. The roster includes Mila Luzgina, Jasmīne Šmate, Arta Ulle, Zane Dzenīte, Santa Ozola, Emija Gulbe, Madlēna Pērse, Marta Ploriņa, Ieva Vēvere, Anete Ozoliņa, Šarlote Skrebele, and Kerlīna Balode.