By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Sneaking in with less surprise than in the past, Latvia managed to start the 2025 EuroBasket Qualifiers with a 79-75 win on the road in Spain, confirming Sergio Scariolo’s national team’s difficulties against the Baltic side.
Sharing the Virtus Bologna’s locker room with head coach Luca Banchi, Rihards Lomazs found some comfort for Latvia, providing 18 points and 7 assists after missing the World Cup campaign due to injury. Andrejs Grazulis contributed with 13 points (6/9 FG) but left early with five fouls.
Zaragoza was ready to welcome back Ricky Rubio, and the Spanish magician responded with 11 points and 5 assists despite going through a tough shooting night (2/10 FG). The newest Barcelona player gave some hope to Sergio Scariolo’s team with five straight points late in the game, but he wasn’t enough.
A sold out crowd in Zaragoza gives Ricky the warmest of welcomes 👏❤️ #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/VIA22roHxz
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) February 22, 2024
Coming off a good stretch with Barcelona, Dario Brizuela led the Spanish national team with 16 points. Jaime Pradilla followed his countryman with 14 points and 5 rebounds, while Juancho Hernangomez added 8 points and 7 rebounds in the home defeat.
At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Luca Banchi’s national team found a crucial victory against Spain, eliminating the reigning EuroBasket champions to advance to the Quarter-Finals.
Regarding EuroBasket 2025, Latvia is one of the already qualified teams as hosts – alongside Finland, Poland, and Cyprus. Completing Group C, Belgium beat Slovakia 75-60 earlier in the day thanks to Retin Obasohan’s 22 points.
PHOTO CREDIT: 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers