Latvia’s U18 basketball team beats Bulgaria, keeps hopes of staying in elite division

Latvia’s U18 men’s basketball team secured an important victory in Italy on Saturday at the European U18 Championship. In the semifinal for 13th place, the Latvians proved too strong for their Bulgarian counterparts, winning 87:81 and keeping their hopes of remaining in the top division alive.

The result matters beyond the tournament standings. With this success, Latvia still has its fate in its own hands in the fight to avoid relegation from Europe’s leading youth basketball level.

The source does not give a detailed account of the game, but the final score suggests Latvia managed to hold off Bulgaria. Scoring 87 points shows a solid attacking display, while conceding 81 points means the opponents were never far behind and kept the contest tight.

This win allows Latvia’s U18 team to continue pursuing its main goal — staying in the elite division after this year’s championship. More games remain, and the squad will try to finish as high as possible while also securing its participation in future European youth tournaments.

The young Latvian players are still competing in Italy, with at least one more match ahead to determine their final placing. The team’s priority is clear: preserve elite status, and Saturday’s victory has moved them a significant step closer.