The two teams did not add many points and the third quarter closed with a 12-point French advantage with a score of 74-62.
In the fourth quarter, France did not start well. They failed to score and Rolands Smits’ dunk allowed Latvia to make it 66-74.
Latvia seemed to get a second wind in this final quarter. Five minutes into the game they were able to reduce the number to one point through Arturs Kurucs’ two-point shot.
After that the two teams took turns entering numbers and the score changed 81-82. The tempo of the match heated up before then Rudy Goberts’ dunk made France a little away again with a score of 81-84.
Latvia came back closer when Davis Bertans’ two free throws entered the ring. The score changed to 83-84.
France then moved away again because Evan Fournier’s two free throws made it in to change the score 83-86. Latvia did not give up when Roland Smits’ two-point shot went in and the score changed to 85-86.
Roland Smits again did his job well when two free throws went in. Latvia was ahead 87-86 with 37 seconds left in the game. A miracle happened for Latvia as they got another free throw.
Anzejs Pasecniks as the executioner did his job well and this number became the final number that ended for Latvia’s dramatic 88-86 victory.
Arturs Zagars was the best player in this match with 22 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists.
This result brings Latvia to second place in the Group H standings with four points, the result of two wins. This result also led them to qualify for the next round with Canada as the best two from Group H.
Latvia and Canada will meet in the final match of Group H to determine the top of the group standings which will be played on Tuesday (8/29) at 20.30 WIB at Indonesia Arena.
