On Wednesday, August 20, the Latvian men’s national basketball team lost to Greece in the Acropolis Cup game in Athens – 86:104 (17:30, 45:61, 66:82). On Thursday, the team will play its final test match before the European Championship – against Italy (tip-off at 20:00, live on TV6). Unfortunately, Rodions Kurucs will not continue preparations for EuroBasket, as his club representatives have scheduled surgery to fully heal his injury.
Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated Latvia’s defense in the paint early on, just as he regularly does in NBA arenas. In addition, the Greek perimeter players hit 7 of their first 8 three-pointers and maintained excellent accuracy from long range throughout the game (14/26).
The Greek offense clearly outmatched Latvia’s defense, while Latvia only managed to find some rhythm late in the quarter. Of the first 10 three-pointers attempted, only two went in. By the 7th minute, Greece had already established a comfortable lead (9:21), and from then on the margin fluctuated between 10 and 20 points.
In the 24th minute, with the score at 54:64, and again in the 32nd minute at 74:84, Latvia had opportunities to get closer, but after those missed chances Greece gave them no second opportunities. Latvia’s coaches tested different lineup combinations, and the broad rotation showed that staging a comeback at all costs was not the main objective.
Over the course of the game, the winners had the edge in points in the paint (12/20 – 20/34) and more free throws (11/20 – 22/27). Latvia’s three-point shooting was very good (17/35), but the hosts’ was outstanding (14/26). Rebounding was roughly even (25–28), but Latvia committed more turnovers (17–12).
Rihards Lomažs scored 17 points (three-pointers 4/6, plus 5 assists), while Artūrs Kurucs added 12 (three-pointers 4/5).
Latvia’s head coach Luca Banchi:
“It was not easy to play against such athletic opponents and an outstanding leader who was very productive himself and also helped his teammates play better. Allowing 30 points in a quarter and 61 by halftime – that’s a serious signal we must take into account. We played better offensively, but we cannot rely on always outscoring our opponents.
The preparation phase is nearing its end. In the remaining time we must work on the things that were unsatisfactory in the test games, while keeping players healthy and maintaining a positive attitude.
Since the start of preparations we have done everything possible to help Rodions Kurucs recover from his injury, and this tournament was the last moment to decide on his participation in EuroBasket. Unfortunately, his role with the national team this year has come to an end. Rodions is a special player, and his absence will have to be compensated for with other qualities.”
At the European Championship group stage in Riga, Latvia will play Turkey on August 27 (tickets), Estonia on August 29, Serbia on August 30, Portugal on September 1 (tickets), and the Czech Republic on September 3 (tickets). The top four teams will advance to the Round of 16 on Saturday, September 6, against teams from Group B (Germany, Lithuania, Finland, Montenegro, Great Britain, Sweden).
Source: latvijav.basket.lv
