Latvia defeated Israel 85-70 at Xiaomi Arena in Riga during the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. The hosts recovered from an 11-point second-quarter deficit and took control after halftime.
Arturs Strautins led the way with 29 points, four rebounds and one assist in nearly 37 minutes. The Latvian forward shot 9-of-17 from the field, including 6-of-9 from three-point range, and made all five of his free throws.
Rihards Lomazs added 18 points and six assists, while Kristers Zoriks scored 16. Yam Madar paced Israel with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.