Latvia delivered a statement performance in the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers, dismantling Austria 112-66 on 7 July 2026. The dominant victory underscored Latvia’s depth and firepower as they continue their push toward the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.

Match overview

From the opening tip, Latvia set an aggressive tempo, building a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter. Their offensive execution was near flawless, shooting over 55% from the field and converting 15 three-pointers. The home crowd in Riga was treated to a showcase of fast breaks, crisp ball movement, and suffocating defence that limited Austria to just 38% shooting.

Dominant first half sets the tone

Latvia’s intensity never wavered. By halftime, they held a 58-34 advantage, with contributions spanning the entire roster. The lead ballooned past 40 points in the third quarter, allowing the coaching staff to rotate freely and rest key players for upcoming qualifiers. The final 46-point margin reflects a team hitting peak form at the perfect stage of the qualification campaign.

Key performers

• Rolands Šmits led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting, adding 8 rebounds.
• Artūrs Žagars orchestrated the offence with 14 points and 11 assists, recording a double-double.
• Mareks Mejeris contributed 18 points off the bench, showcasing Latvia’s exceptional bench depth.
• For Austria, Bogdan Savić managed 15 points in a losing effort, but the team struggled to contain Latvia’s multi-dimensional attack.

Context in the qualifying table

With this emphatic win, Latvia improved to a strong position in Group B of the European Qualifiers. The victory not only boosts their point differential but also sends a message to future opponents. Austria, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive after this heavy defeat.

Why this result matters

Latvia have emerged as one of Europe’s rising basketball nations, and performances like this reinforce their credibility as a legitimate contender for a World Cup berth. The team’s combination of experienced leaders and emerging talents makes them a dangerous opponent in any setting. For Austria, the focus now shifts to regrouping and targeting wins against the lower seeds in the group.