Latvia’s Davis Bertans takes a 3-pointer against Georgia during the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia.–Photo from Fiba
SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at Fiba OQT in Riga, Latvia
MANILA, Philippines—Buoyed by the home crowd, Latvia got off to a dominant start in its last-chance bid to make the Paris Olympics.
The Latvians showed why they’re ranked sixth in the world by blowing out Georgia, 88-53, on opening night of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament at Arena Riga.
“We are very happy for the way we entered the tournament after long seasons for everybody,” said Latvia coach Luca Banchi, whose squad takes on Gilas Pilipinas next on Thursday, 12 a.m. (Manila time).
READ: Fiba OQT: Bahamas tops Finland, Slovenia falls to Croatia
🇱🇻 Latvia cruised past Georgia 88-53 on opening night!#FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/sVWb7qmKQS
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 2, 2024
“The guys responded very well, starting from the defensive approach, bringing energy and good rhythm. We kept a good level of intensity all throughout the game.”
Arturs Strautins had a perfect offensive game to lead Latvia with 18 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the field including four triples and 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
Mareks Mejeris and Rolands Smits also gave the Latvians a lift with their all-around effort combining for 21 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
NBA veteran Davis Bertans, who plays for the Charlotte Hornets, added nine points for Latvia, which finished fifth in last year’s Fiba World Cup in Manila.
READ: Latvia’s Porzingis to have surgery, out of Fiba OQT and Paris Olympics
Latvia is expected to sweep Group A despite missing the services of NBA star Kristaps Porzingis, who recently underwent leg surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon.
The Boston Celtics center suffered what was considered a rare injury in Game 2 of the NBA Finals last month.
Alexander Mamukelashlivi was the sole double-digit scorer for Georgia with 14 points and four rebounds.