Latvian U-20 women's basketball team secures place in top European division
The Latvian U-20 women's basketball team defeated Italy 75-61 on Friday in Alytus, Lithuania, securing their spot in the top division of the European Championship for the next year.
The Latvian U-20 women's basketball team clinched a crucial victory on Friday in Alytus, Lithuania, during the first game of the 9th-16th place classification round at the European U-20 Championship. They defeated Italy 75-61 (16:26, 26:11, 14:11, 19:13), ensuring their place in the top A division for the next season.
The Italians started strong, leading 26-16 after the first quarter following a two-point basket by Emma Giacchetti. However, Latvia mounted a comeback, going on an 11-0 run and taking the lead 40-35 after a three-pointer by Zane Straudovska. By halftime, Latvia extended their advantage to 49-37 after a three-pointer by Madara Šmite.
In the second half, Latvia maintained control. The last time the score was within single digits was early in the fourth quarter at 58-51. Latvia then pulled away again to secure a comfortable win.
Madara Šmite led Latvia with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kitija Muzikante added 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Evelīna Otto recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
For Italy, Emma Giacchetti stood out with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals. Francesca Baldassarre contributed 10 points.
With this win, Latvia has guaranteed its spot in the A division for next year's European U-20 Championship. The tournament concludes on Sunday, and the three teams finishing last will lose their place in the top division.
On Saturday, Latvia will play for 9th-12th place against Hungary. In the group stage, Latvia had already beaten Hungary 78-64, as well as Sweden (70-63) and Germany (70-60), but lost to Croatia 84-97 in a quarterfinal qualification game. Italy, on the other hand, lost to Poland and Iceland in group play, beat Serbia, and then lost to Belgium in the round of 16.
Before the championship, Latvia played several preparation games: two losses to Poland U-20 (60-64, 74-76), home games against Lithuania (74-77 loss, 76-74 win), two wins over Ukraine (64-54, 82-77), and two losses to Spain (57-80, 51-66).
The Latvian U-20 roster for the tournament includes: Līva Hermane, Marta Ploriņa, Zane Straudovska (all from TTT Juniores), Mila Luzgina, Madara Šmite, Krista Lukašēvica (all from TTT Rīga), Ksenija Petrova (Daugavpils/Daugavpils University), Annija Brence (RSU), Estere Petrus (Sanjoanense, Portugal), Kitija Muzikante (Liepāja/LSSS), Evelīna Otto (University of Utah, NCAA), and Anna Liepiņa (Klaipėda Neptūnas, Lithuania).
