Šulcs returns with 22 points, Latvia's U20 basketball team dominates Poland

In Ljubljana, Slovenia, at the European U20 Championship Division A, the Latvian U20 team secured their first victory on Sunday, July 12, convincingly beating Poland 77-68. The match started with a slight delay due to the previous game in the small arena.

Latvia took an early lead, extending it to double digits by the end of the first quarter (24:13). Poland narrowed the gap in the second quarter, but after halftime, Latvia rebuilt a ten-point margin thanks to Roland Šulcs, who hit two consecutive three-pointers. In the fourth quarter, Latvia's lead occasionally exceeded 20 points, but Poland mounted a 16-2 run in the final minutes. Latvia held on to win 77-68.

Roland Šulcs, who missed the first game due to illness, was the top scorer with 22 points, including five three-pointers. Mārtiņš Kilups added 14 points, and Tomas Talcis contributed 11. Artūrs Ozols recorded 7 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, posting a efficiency rating of 22.

Helmuts Petrovičs, injured in the previous game against Lithuania after an awkward landing on a dunk, was in the lineup but did not play despite warming up.

Tomorrow, July 13, at 5:00 PM Latvian time, Latvia will finish the group stage against Serbia, who have already beaten both Poland and Lithuania. The round of 16 will follow, with an opponent from Group A.