Bojan Dubljevic Montenegro
Photo: FIBA/Basketball World Cup

Montenegro became the last European team that secured its ticket to the Basketball World Cup, despite the loss to Latvia (80-74).

Latvia had to win by nine points in order to qualify to the Basketball World Cup, but instead they earned a six-point victory and were eliminated.

Dairis Bertans missed two shots for the Latvians in the last 15 seconds and Derek Needham made both free throws and sealed the deal for Montenegro.

Janis Strelnieks led the winners with a game-high 25 points (8/9 shooting). Martin Meiers added 12 points and Janis Timma 11.

On the other hand, four players scored in double figures for the losing squad, with Needham having a team-high 22 points.

This is the first time that Montenegro will participate in the Basketball World Cup.