RIGA (Latvia) - Latvia didn't have the easiest of Semi-Finals when facing a fearless Cameroon, but ultimately the host nation and a sold-out crowd at Arena Riga celebrated a 72-59 victory.
The expected ultimate clash of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Riga will now see the local favorties go up against Brazil in Sunday's last day matchup.
Turning Point
Latvia went through hell in the first twenty-five minutes of the encounter, unable to escape against a literally indomitable Cameroon. In the time of need, Lativa eventually found the solution from the best-equipped player on the team.
Alfred Aboya's Cameroon side made the mistake of leaving Davis Bertans alone on the perimeter, and he didn't waste time in punishing them. With the sound of the net swishing followed by loud happiness in the stands, Latvia's star created a margin they needed. From then on, they didn't lose the lead anymore and kept the Lions at arms' length.
TCL Player of the Game
If there's someone Coach Banchi can trust, it's Rihards Lomazs.
Not only he was Latvia's highest and most consistent scorer all throughout the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers 2023 with 15.6 points, but he's also coaching him in club competition with Virtus Bologna.
The 28-year-old brought his killer instinct onto the court on several occasions against Cameroon and finished by being named TCL Player of the Game after harvesting 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Stats don't lie
Basketball can be a game of heroes and stand-alone players, but most of the time to win a game you can't only rely on the effort of your starters.
That's what happened tonight for both Latvia and Cameroon. The home side had 38 points from its bench, while the African team saw its substitutes providing 34 points on the score sheet.
It's no surprise that the two teams' highest scorers (Williams Narace and Rihards Lomazs, who combined for 30 points) weren't part of the starting lineups.
Bottom line
He was missing in the surprising defeat against the Philippines, and it was a pleasure to see him back. As he proved in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 both in Jakarta and Manila, Arturs Zagars is a game-changer for this team, showing why very early into the night.
The élite 24-year-old playmaker made an instant impact in the encounter, keeping his team's tempo high and making sure Cameroon's defense's attention was all on him. This led to the usual Coach Banchi-branded basketball with this national team. Ball movement at its best.
Ending the third quarter only down by a single possession at 52-50, Cameroon certainly demonstrated to belong to this level. Heading to the AfroBasket Qualifiers 2025, the Indomitable Lions can dream high. After all, Jeremiah Hill won't have many other barren shooting nights like this.
They said
"We did an amazing effort tonight because it was clear for everybody the gap on the court in terms of physicality and athleticism. Everybody was able to spend his best effort trying to go over the limit." Latvia head coach Luca Banchi
"I think basketball around the world is getting better, there's not such a difference like there was maybe 10-15 years ago. Everybody here is competitive, especially in one game anything can happen. You've got to give it all." Latvia playmaker, Arturs Zagars
"I'm proud of my team, I think that during this tournament they showed that Cameroon basketball is back. The kids competed at a high level. The future is bright for Cameroon basketball." Cameroon head coach Alfred Aboya
"Right away it's very disappointing. We really believed we could go all the way. But we're proud of what we've done, and what we could achieve." Cameroon forward, Roger Moute A Bidias
FIBA