Latvia’s U17 women’s national basketball team (players born in 2009) concluded its campaign at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Brno, Czechia, with a convincing 60–46 victory over Colombia on Sunday, securing 11th place in the final standings.
The United States claimed the world title by defeating Spain 82–73 in the final, while Australia earned the bronze medal with a 64–57 victory over Canada.
Latvia made an outstanding start against Colombia, using aggressive defence and high energy to build a commanding lead, extending the advantage to 27–8 early in the second quarter. However, after a physically demanding tournament against stronger opponents, fatigue began to take its toll, particularly on shooting accuracy. Three-point attempts stopped falling, quality scoring opportunities near the basket became increasingly difficult to create, and Colombia gradually reduced the deficit to 48–44 with five minutes remaining.
At the decisive moment, Šarlote Skrebele once again orchestrated Latvia’s offence, creating scoring opportunities for Patrīcija Tikmere and Adele Priedīte, while Latvia’s defence won several crucial one-on-one battles and prevented Colombia from scoring when it mattered most. Latvia held firm to seal a hard-earned victory built on determination and resilience.
Victory over the Host Nation
On Friday, Latvia defeated tournament hosts Czechia 72–59 in the classification quarter-final for places 9–16.
The Latvian team produced an excellent opening, dominating on both ends of the floor and opening up a 30–8 lead midway through the second quarter. Although maintaining that level for the entire 40 minutes proved impossible, Czechia never came closer than 11 points as Latvia comfortably controlled the game throughout.
Free throws proved decisive, with Latvia converting 35 of 42 attempts, compared to Czechia’s 9 of 20. Latvia also enjoyed an advantage from three-point range (5/19 compared to 2/14), won the rebounding battle 44–39, and displayed efficient offensive execution despite Czechia collecting slightly more offensive rebounds.
Evelīna Sirsniņa led Latvia with 20 points, including 13 successful free throws from 16 attempts. Marta Arsentjeva added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Šarlote Skrebele contributed 12 points.
Narrow Defeat to Italy
Latvia’s hopes of finishing in the top ten ended with a 59–63 loss to Italy in Saturday’s classification semi-final.
Latvia started strongly, taking its biggest lead at 21–11 early in the second quarter and remaining in front for most of the game. However, Italy gradually turned the contest around and controlled the final quarter. The Italians held a significant advantage on the boards, outrebounding Latvia 52–40, including 20 offensive rebounds.
Marta Arsentjeva recorded 11 points and eight rebounds, while Evelīna Sirsniņa and Šarlote Skrebele each scored 10 points.
Tournament Results
Round of 16 (15 July)
- USA – Mexico 112–36
- Slovenia – Italy 66–44
- China – Latvia 83–60
- Canada – Czechia 67–40
- Australia – Germany 71–45
- Japan – Egypt 80–53
- Spain – Côte d’Ivoire 87–33
- New Zealand – Colombia 60–40
Quarter-finals (17 July)
- USA – Slovenia 77–57
- Canada – China 69–68
- Australia – Japan 70–64
- Spain – New Zealand 84–55
Classification Quarter-finals (9th–16th place)
- Italy – Mexico 72–62
- Latvia – Czechia 72–59
- Egypt – Germany 58–54
- Colombia – Côte d’Ivoire 66–51
Classification Semi-finals (18 July)
- Italy – Latvia 63–59
- Egypt – Colombia 72–36
Final Classification (19 July)
- Champions: USA (def. Spain 82–73)
- 3rd place: Australia (def. Canada 64–57)
- 5th place: New Zealand (def. China 76–61)
- 7th place: Japan (def. Slovenia 54–45)
- 9th place: Egypt (def. Italy 80–63)
- 11th place: Latvia (def. Colombia 60–46)
- 13th place: Czechia
- 15th place: Mexico
Source: Latvian Basketball Association.
