Latvia's U23 3x3 basketball team reaches World Cup final

Latvia's U23 men's national 3x3 basketball team secured a spot in the World Cup final on Saturday, September 19, in Wuhan, China, defeating Australia 21:18 in the semifinal. This marks the second time in the team's history it has reached the tournament final. Latvia was represented by Kristofers Karlsons, Mārtiņš Zviedris, Dāvis Skreivers and Mārtiņš Bumbieris.

The team had already shown its fighting spirit in the quarterfinal, coming from behind to beat the United States 19:17.

A tight battle with Australia

In the semifinal against Australia, Latvia took an early lead, but the Australians quickly seized control, building a six-point advantage (7:13) by the seventh minute. Latvia twice tried to close the gap to four points, but the opponents answered each time with accurate shots.

Mārtiņš Zviedris began chipping away at the deficit with a long-range shot that cut the gap to three points, and early in the tenth minute another accurate shot from the corner by Zviedris tied the score at 17:17. In the final seconds, the lead changed hands several times through free throws and opponents' fouls. In the decisive moment, Mārtiņš Zviedris converted two free throws, securing a 21:18 victory for Latvia.

In the final, Latvia will face Lithuania, who beat Serbia 22:15 in their semifinal, led by Pauļus Veļutis with 11 points. A year ago, Lithuania had already defeated Serbia in the final, 19:14. In the other quarterfinals, Australia beat the Netherlands (21:17), Serbia beat France (22:19), and Lithuania beat New Zealand (21:17).