Kristaps Porziņģis delivered a monster 34-point, 19-rebound performance, but Lithuania eliminated Latvia from EuroBasket 2025 with an 88-79 victory at Xiaomi Arena on September 6.
The defeat ended Latvia’s tournament on home soil and marked the final game of Luca Banchi’s coaching era.
Velička Dominates Early
Lithuania’s Arnas Velička set the tone from the opening tip. The 25-year-old guard knocked down three early three-pointers, including one following an unsportsmanlike foul on Artūrs Kurucs, to give Lithuania a 14-6 advantage.
Latvia responded through Porziņģis and Rihards Lomažs, who combined for 10 first-quarter points from various positions. However, Lithuania’s superior rebounding and second-chance opportunities helped them maintain control, leading 28-18 after the opening period.
The visitors dominated the paint early, outscoring Latvia 18-4 in that area while controlling the offensive glass 13-6 in the first quarter.
Lithuania Builds Cushion
Rolands Šmits sparked Latvia’s second-quarter rally with back-to-back buckets, cutting the deficit to four points. Lomažs continued his hot shooting, trimming Lithuania’s lead to just two points at one stage.
But Lithuania’s balanced attack and aggressive defense kept them ahead. The visitors utilized double teams on Porziņģis while forcing Latvia into early foul trouble. Lithuania’s consistent free throw shooting and timely three-pointers from distance helped them maintain a 47-37 halftime advantage.
Porziņģis registered his first double-double of the tournament by halftime, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.
Third Quarter Turning Point
Latvia opened the second half with renewed energy. Artūrs Žagars scored immediately after the break, followed by a Porziņģis putback of his own miss. Šmits continued his strong play in the paint, drawing fouls and converting opportunities.
With 7:07 remaining in the third quarter, Žagars attacked Jonas Valančūnas, using a pump fake before scooping in a layup that cut Lithuania’s lead to eight points.
Porziņģis connected on a long three-pointer but failed to get back on defense, allowing Ažuolas Tubelis to score at the buzzer and extend Lithuania’s lead to 66-54 entering the final period.
Fourth Quarter Drama
The final quarter became a foul-filled affair that ultimately decided Latvia’s fate. Dāvis Bertāns, Artūrs Kurucs, and eventually Porziņģis all fouled out with five personal fouls, severely limiting Latvia’s options.
Despite the foul trouble, Latvia mounted a late charge. Bertāns hit a crucial three-pointer to cut the deficit to seven points with 3:44 remaining. Lomažs followed with back-to-back three-pointers that brought Latvia within five at 82-77.
But Lithuania’s experienced execution down the stretch proved decisive. Tubelis and Velička made key plays to prevent any Latvian comeback attempt.
Statistical Standouts
Porziņģis became the first player in 30 years to combine for 30+ points and 15+ rebounds in a single EuroBasket game. His 34 points tied his own Latvian record for most points in a EuroBasket game.
Lomažs finished with 21 points on efficient shooting, including 4-of-9 from three-point range. He provided Latvia’s most consistent offensive threat alongside Porziņģis throughout the contest.
For Lithuania, Velička recorded 21 points and 11 assists, becoming only the third Lithuanian player with 10+ assists in a EuroBasket knockout game. Tubelis added 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Deividas Sirvydis contributed 18 points off the bench.
Officiating Controversy
Latvia was whistled for 22 fouls in the second half, compared to Lithuania’s 14 for the entire game. The disparity became particularly problematic in the fourth quarter when three Latvian starters fouled out.
Several borderline calls went against the hosts, including technical fouls that helped Lithuania maintain their advantage during crucial stretches.
End of an Era
The loss marked the final game of Luca Banchi’s tenure as Latvia’s head coach. Under his leadership, Latvia qualified for their first World Cup and finished fifth at the 2023 tournament in Manila.
However, the past two major tournaments on home soil in Riga ended in disappointing fashion, with losses to Brazil and now Lithuania eliminating Latvia earlier than expected.
“We were in a bit of a rush, not our best day,” Banchi said after the game. “They played very aggressively. Sometimes the ball becomes a little bit heavier.”
Looking Ahead
Lithuania improves to a perfect record through the knockout stages . Their balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity make them legitimate contenders for a medal.
For Latvia, questions remain about the future direction of the program. The core group of players is aging, and developing the next generation becomes crucial for sustained success.
Dairis Bertāns reflected on the emotional toll of the defeat: “A lot about managing and controlling emotions. This game reminded me of the first game, with Turkey. We wanted to go all the way, so it’s disappointing. It’s a lot harder to chase than to be ahead.”
The 11,000 fans at Xiaomi Arena provided incredible support throughout, but even their energy couldn’t lift Latvia past a determined Lithuanian squad that executed when it mattered most.
