Latvia extended its reigns as the giant slayers and the surprise of the tournament, pinning a 74-69 victory over reigning champs in Spain to open up their second-round set of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup on Friday, Sept. 1, in Jakarta.
From being down by double-digits entering the final frame, the tourney debutants pulled a shocker rally powered by Andrejs Grazulis, Kristers Zoriks and Davis Bertans hot shooting from deep.
With three minutes remaining, Latvia came away with a 9-4 run to victimize another powerhouse in Spain after their first-round outrage against France.
Bertans carried Latvia with 16 points while sinking three of his seven total three-pointers. 13 points came from Rodions Kurucs, while the trio of Grazulis, Rolands Smits and Kristers Zoriks provided 11 each.
Latvia improved to 3-1 in their record to boost their Final round odds. Spain settled for their first World Cup tourney defeat, now also at 3-1.
