LATVIA opened the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with an 83-55 win over Georgia on Tuesday in Riga, Latvia.
Arturs Strautins had 18 points to lead the onslaught as Latvia looked impressive especially from the outside with the Derthona Basket (Italy) player shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Davis Bertans of the Charlotte Hornets set the tone for Latvia from the perimeter in the first half and finished with nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from threes ahead of their match-up against Gilas Pilipinas on Wednesday (Thursday, 12 midnight Philippine time).
Latvia will go for a sweep and a semifinal berth in Group A in the match against the Philippines.
The Latvians also asserted themselves in the paint with Mareks Mejeris finishing with 11 points and seven rebounds, and Rolands Smits chipping in 10 points and seven boards.
Arturs Zagars added eight points and six assists for Latvia.
Alexander Mamukelashvili had 14 points for Georgia, which will have a luxury of watching Gilas Pilipinas in their game against Latvia before they face off on Thursday.
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