Latvia's U20 women beat Iceland 85-80, finish 11th at European Championship behind Petrus' hot hand

Final youth game

Latvia's U20 women's national team played their last match of the tournament on Sunday in Alytus, beating Iceland 85-80 to finish 11th at the European Championship. For five players – Madara Šmite, Estere Petrus, Evelīna Otto, Kitija Muzikante and Krista Lukašēviča – this was their final game in youth national teams.

Game flow

In the first half, the teams traded leads, and Latvia went into halftime up 41-38. Madara Šmite and Anna Liepiņa were the top scorers in the first half, collecting points from drawn fouls. Evelīna Otto and Mila Luzgina played key roles.

In the third quarter, Iceland briefly tied the game at 50-50, but Latvia responded with a three-pointer from Estere Petrus and a basket by Zane Straudovska to make it 65-55. Early in the fourth quarter, Iceland's coach received a technical foul, but Latvia's lead remained. Petrus continued sinking threes – 70-62, and later Madara Šmite hit from distance – 75-64. Iceland closed the gap, but Petrus nailed a crucial three-pointer with 71 seconds left (82-73). Evelīna Otto made two free throws late for 84-77, and Latvia held on for the win.

Statistics and players

Estere Petrus scored 26 points (2-pt 2/6, 3-pt 5/8, FT 7/10), grabbed 6 rebounds and had an efficiency of 21. Madara Šmite added 13 points and 4 steals. Evelīna Otto had 7 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Kitija Muzikante scored 5 points. Ten players scored for Latvia.

For Iceland, Agnarsdottir led with 22 points, while Steingrimsdottir had 17. The Icelanders played with a 10-player rotation but could not keep up with Latvia's pace and shooting accuracy.

Farewell to youth championships

Several players concluded their youth national team careers. Madara Šmite played six summers in youth teams, Estere Petrus five, Evelīna Otto participated in five A-division final tournaments, Krista Lukašēviča in six, and Kitija Muzikante for four years. They will now focus on studies and careers at college or club level.