By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a preparatory match for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup, Latvia defeated the Dominican Republic 74-69, despite the absence of NBA players Kristaps Porzingis and Davis Bertans, as well as Janis Timma.
Anzejs Pasecniks and Dairis Bertans led the way for the winning side with 11 points each, while Andrejs Grazulis added 10 points. Rolands Smits contributed nine points but checked out after the first half as a precaution due to his status as a Zalgiris player.
NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns, who committed to playing in the World Cup, wasn’t available for Nestor Garcia’s Dominican Republic team. Eloy Vargas led the Dominican Republic with 12 points, and Lester Quinones and Luis Santos each added 10 points.
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The game remained close almost throughout, with the Dominicans trailing by just one point, 70-69, with two and a half minutes left on the clock. Rodions Kurucs gave Latvia an edge, and Grazulis secured the victory with a winning layup 12 seconds before the end.
In the World Cup, Latvia will compete against Canada, Lebanon, and France in Group H (Indonesia), while the Dominican Republic is placed in Group A (Philippines) alongside Angola, the Philippines, and Italy.