Latvia 79-63 GB: Brits fall to defeat in Riga
Great Britain fell to a second World Cup Qualifying defeat in four days in Latvia tonight.
GB’s qualification hopes ended with the loss to Serbia in Newcastle on Friday.
And they were unable to boost their morale in Riga against a classy Latvian outfit, going down 79-63 to move to 1-7 in the competition.
The tireless Luke Nelson led the scoring for Head Coach Marc Steutel’s men with 16 points to go with eight assists, while Gabe Olaseni grabbed 14 and Carl Wheatle 13 with eight rebounds.
GB battled to the end but their three-point shooting touch (6/24) deserted them until late in the game.
Latvia took the opening quarter 22-17 and then ratcheted up the pressure in second, forcing turnovers and extending their lead into double figures.
New boys Quinn Ellis and Josh Sharma got their first senior GB minutes but they came in testing circumstances as the home side started the third 40-28 ahead.
Latvia extended their lead to 20 at one point before the fourth got under way 58-40 in the home side’s favour.
GB started the final period well with threes from Patrick Whelan (2) and Ben Mockford closing the gap to 11 at 64-53 and prompting a Latvian timeout.
But the home team, already qualified, saw the game out with Rihards Lomazs (15) led the scoring for the hosts.
