Xiaomi Arena fell silent Thursday night as Jordan Loyd’s stepback three-pointer splashed through the net with the final buzzer, giving Poland an 84-82 victory over Latvia in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers action that will sting for weeks to come.
Latvia had this one. Arturs Strautins, who had the packed Arena Riga crowd chanting MVP in the fourth quarter, buried clutch free throws to tie the game at 79-79 with a minute to play, then hit another to put Latvia ahead 80-79. The atmosphere was electric — a hostile, energetic crowd willing their national team to close out a gritty back-and-forth battle.
But Loyd, the Polish-American guard known affectionately as “Loydowski” among Polish fans, had other plans. His 37-point masterclass — featuring seven three-pointers — ranks as the third-highest scoring game in FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers history, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 40 and Dennis Schröder’s 38.
For Latvia, the loss is particularly bitter. They dominated stretches of the game, building a 48-39 halftime lead behind energetic defense that produced four steals and forced seven Polish turnovers. Poland clawed back in the third quarter to take a 66-62 lead into the final period, setting up a tense finish.
Alongside Strautins, Latvia received key contributions from Lomažs, who hit a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter and converted important free throws down the stretch. Skuja orchestrated the offense with energy and precision, while Zoriks provided a spark off the bench. Steinbergs, Silins, and Mejeris all battled throughout.
A late no-call on what appeared to be a foul against Lomažs on a drive added to the frustration. Latvia had controlled the game with under a minute remaining — then Loyd took over.
For Latvia, it’s back to work. This one hurts precisely because it was winnable.
