Latvia U20 starts elite division return with loss to neighbors
Latvia U20 basketball team lost 78:104 to Lithuania in their first game of the FIBA U20 European Championship Elite Division.
The Latvian U20 men's basketball team began their campaign in the FIBA U20 European Championship Elite Division with a heavy defeat against Lithuania, falling 78:104.
The start was promising for Latvia, fueled by Mārtiņš Kilups who scored 13 of the team's first 19 points. The first quarter ended 26:23 in Latvia's favor, but Lithuania turned the game around in the second quarter, taking a 55:47 lead into halftime.
Lithuania extended their lead by another 10 points in the third quarter, entering the final period with an 18-point advantage (79:61). Latvia attempted a comeback but could not close the gap, and Lithuania pulled away further to secure a 104:78 victory.
Kilups was outstanding, scoring 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range. He also grabbed 3 rebounds, dished 2 assists, and recorded 2 steals. Jēkabs Niedra added 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals, while Artūrs Ozols contributed 7 points and 7 rebounds.
Latvia will next face Poland and Serbia in the group stage before meeting a team from Group A in the Round of 16.
