The strong Serbian team ran out winners in Istanbul 82:92 in a highly competitive match. Although the Latvians lost, the team put in a high-quality performance, which should raise rather than diminish hopes for a decent showing in the tournament.
The top scorer for Latvia with 23 points was Dairis Bertans, while Kristaps Porzinģis got 18 points and Dāvis Bertans added 16 points.
.@KPorzee ?? has arrived to the FIBA #EuroBasket2017 ?!
— FIBA (@FIBA) September 1, 2017
?https://t.co/aHPaEkqy6o pic.twitter.com/GRZCKJqiT3
Bogdan Bogdanovich excelled for Serbia with 30 points.
The Latvian team held the lead for long periods but by the middle of the last quarter the Serbs began to exert more control and changed gears to secure the win.
30pts, 3reb and 4ast for Bogdanovic! Serbia ?? are in safe hands with the leader of the horde! #EuroBasket2017
— FIBA (@FIBA) September 1, 2017
?https://t.co/BfD18ITliL pic.twitter.com/Qbr594Simm
For Latvia, the next game will be against Belgium on September 2. The Belgians beat Great Britain earlier on Friday 103:90 and anything less than a win for Latvia would be a disappointment.
The European Championship will be held until September 17th.
