Latvian U-20 Women's Basketball Team Falls to Croatia in Round of 16

The Latvian U-20 women's basketball team suffered an 84:97 defeat (22:26, 17:30, 25:12, 20:29) against Croatia in the round of 16 of the European Junior Championship in Klaipėda on Wednesday, July 9. With this loss, Latvia is out of medal contention and will play Italy on Friday in Alytus for ninth place.

Anna Liepiņa led Latvia with 16 points and ten offensive rebounds. Evelīna Otto and Madara Šmite each scored 14 points, with Otto also grabbing 12 rebounds. Šmite added eight rebounds and six assists. Kitija Muzikante contributed 13 points, Mila Luzgina 11, and Estere Petrus 10 points along with five rebounds.

For Croatia, Lena Bilić was outstanding with 35 points and seven rebounds, while Petra Božana recorded 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Lea Vukić added 25 points.

The game started evenly; after Marta Ploriņa's two-point shot gave Latvia a 7:2 lead, Croatia responded with seven straight points to close the first quarter ahead 26:22. Croatia extended their advantage to 21 points (60:39) in the second quarter, but Latvia fought back, cutting the deficit to two points (64:66) following a basket by Madara Šmite. However, Latvia could not tie the game in the fourth quarter.

In the group stage, Latvia finished first in Group B, defeating Sweden (70:63), Germany (70:60), and Hungary (78:64). Croatia finished last in Group A with losses to Lithuania, Israel, and Spain. In preparation for the championship, Latvia lost twice to Poland, split games with Lithuania, won twice against Ukraine, and lost twice to Spain. The tournament concludes on Sunday, and the three last-placed teams will be relegated from Division A.