LATVIA pulled off what might just be the biggest upset of the 2023 Fiba World Cup thus far after taking down reigning champion Spain, 74-69, in a thriller in Jakarta on Friday.
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Oklahoma City ace Davis Bertans scored 16 points in 29 minutes and led a spirited Latvian fightback from 12 down in the third quarter.
The historic victory breaks the door wide open in Group L for the Latvians and leaves the 2019 champions facing elimination.
In a game that saw 14 lead changes and 14 deadlocks, La Roja's 14-point run late in the third frame looked like the beginning of the end for Latvia.
But with Bertans leading five Latvians in double figures, Spain's final attempts to overturn a late-game deficit failed as it absorbed a shock loss at the start of Round 2.
Latvia and Spain now share a 3-1 record ahead of decisive matchups with Brazil and Canada respectively to determine Group L's two quarterfinal-bound sides.
The scores:
Spain (69) - W. Hernangomez 14, Garuba 11, Brizuela 11, J. Hernangomez 9, Abrines 5, Llull 5, Fernandez 5, Claver 4, Diaz 3, Aldama 2, Nunez 0, Parra DNP.
Latvia (74) - Da. Bertans 16, R. Kurucs 13, Smits 11, Grazulis 11, Zoriks 11, Zagars 7, Strautins 2, Skele 2, A. Kurucs 1, Pasecniks DNP, Di. Bertans DNP.
Quarterscores: 17-16; 30-32; 47-58; 74-69.
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