THE Dominican Republic was defeated by Latvia, 74-69, in their international friendly game in in Riga in preparation for the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
The Caribbean nation played in the tune-up game without Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns, who has already committed to play for the team in the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
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Dominicana has yet to win in their official preparation games for the Fiba Basketball World Cup, losing to Puerto Rico, 93-86, on Aug. 4.
Eloy Vargas, who also plays for Club Atletico Aguada in the Uruguay professional league, led the Dominican Republic with 12 points, while Lester Quinones and Luis Santos had 10 points apiece.

The Dominican Republic will open the Fiba Basketball World Cup against Gilas Pilipinas on Aug. 25 at the Philippine Arena.
Before meeting Gilas Pilipinas, Dominican Republic will still play against Canada and Spain in a pocket tournament in Granada, Spain.
Dairis Bertans and Anzejs Pasecniks led Latvia with 11 points apiece. Latvia is also bound for the World Cup and will play Canada, Lebanon, and France in Group H to be held in Indonesia.
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