Latvia defeated Brazil with a score of 104-84 in the second round of the newly formed L group at the FIBA World Cup, securing a spot in the quarterfinals on their debut appearance in the global event.
Brazil entered the game without the injured Raul Neto, while Latvia was missing Kristaps Porzingis and Dairis Bertans for the same reason.
In the opening minutes, a physical brand of basketball was on display, and Latvia, under the guidance of coach Luca Banchi, handled it better, taking a 13-6 lead. Brazil responded quickly, staying competitive. The end of the first quarter and the start of the second quarter saw a more efficient scoring effort from both sides, but Latvia once again struck, building a 10-point lead. Brazil managed to get back into the game, with Davis Bertans hitting a three-pointer to bring his team within three points before halftime.
📺 Latvia is through to the #FIBAWC Final Phase after an impressive display versus Brazil. 🇱🇻#WinForLatvia pic.twitter.com/InapwEbGUE
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 3, 2023
The game remained tightly contested until the end of the third quarter, when Bertans took charge. His three-pointers punished Brazil’s zone defense, extending Latvia’s lead to 14 points. The margin later grew to 18, making it clear that the Baltic team was much closer to securing a spot among the top eight. Latvia further increased their lead towards the end, overwhelming their shaken opponent and achieving a historic victory.
The top scorers for Latvia were Andrejs Grazulis with 24 points and Arturs Zagars with 17 points. Bruno Caboclo and Yago dos Santos led Brazil with 19 and 14 points, respectively.
Latvia’s quarterfinal opponent and their seeding among the top eight will depend on the outcomes of the matches between Germany and Slovenia, as well as Spain and Canada. If Spain defeats Canada, Latvia will top the group; otherwise, they will enter the elimination phase from the second position.
The clash between Germany and Slovenia will determine the first two spots in the K group, with the L group crossing paths with them in the quarterfinals.