Latvian U20 Women’s Basketball Team Defeated by Lithuania in Test Match
The Latvian U20 women’s basketball team lost its first of two friendly matches against Lithuania, falling 74-77 in a game marked by defensive struggles and tight scoring. The loss came despite strong performances from captain Evelīna Otto, who recorded 13 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks, and Līva Hermane, who tallied 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Lithuania’s Daniele Paunksnīte led her team with 31 points and six assists.
The match, held at the Komandu Sporta Spēļu Halle (KSSH) in Riga, followed two previous losses to Poland earlier in the week—60-64 and 74-76. Latvia’s U20 squad will face Ukraine and Spain in upcoming friendly games before competing in the U20 European Championship, starting July 4 against Sweden in Klaipėda.
Why the loss matters
The defeat highlights the challenges Latvia faces in preparing for the European Championship, where they will compete in Group B against Sweden, Germany, and Hungary. The team’s recent friendly results—two losses to Poland and one to Lithuania—underscore the need for improved consistency ahead of the tournament. Coach oversight and player development will be critical as the squad fine-tunes its strategy.
What may happen next
Latvia’s U20 team is likely to focus on defensive adjustments and offensive efficiency in its remaining pre-tournament games. The upcoming matches against Ukraine and Spain, scheduled for June 18-19 and June 28-29, respectively, will serve as key tests. Analysts suggest that the team’s ability to maintain composure in close games could determine its success in the European Championship.
The U17 team, meanwhile, secured a 61-54 victory over the Czech Republic in its second friendly, with Šarlote Skrebele leading the way with 21 points, nine rebounds, and five turnovers. The U17 squad, set to compete in the FIBA Women’s U17 World Cup starting July 11 in Brno, Czech Republic, will face Australia, the U.S., and Côte d’Ivoire in Group A.
Key players and schedules
The U20 roster includes 18 players, featuring NCAA-bound Evelīna Otto and Līva Hermane, while the U17 team’s 16-member squad includes Šarlote Skrebele and Patrīcija Tikmere. Both teams will continue training in Riga, with the U17 squad also set to play Slovenia and participate in a tournament in Spain, where they will face hosts, Canada, and Côte d’Ivoire.
What was the score of Latvia’s U20 loss to Lithuania?
Latvia lost 74-77 in the first of two friendly matches against Lithuania on Friday.
Who were the top performers in the U20 game?
Captain Evelīna Otto led Latvia with 13 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. Lithuania’s Daniele Paunksnīte scored 31 points and added six assists.
When is Latvia’s U20 European Championship debut?
The tournament begins July 4 with a match against Sweden in Klaipėda.
How might Latvia’s U20 team adjust its strategy to secure better results in upcoming games?