Latvian 3-points shots subdued Canadians

　　18 August 2007

　　JINCHENG, China – Team Canada scored the first basket of the game, which was a 3-point shot, but later in the game they would become the victim of the long-distance attacks at their own basket by their opponent, Team Latvia.

　　It was a close game in the first quarter and the Canadians actually led by 16-14 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, although Canada made 4 3-point shots, Latvia had 7. Latvia’s success in cutting off Canada’s passes translated into turnovers and loose defense of the Canadians which gave space for Latvia to make the open shots.

　　In the second half, Latvia was able to control the tempo and tighten up the defense and Canada was forced to shoot the ball with the shot clock expiring. The young Latvian players also showed stamina and strength throughout the last quarter and did not give their Canadian opponents any chance to get back in the game. And finally Latvia got their first win in the tournament by defeating Canada 86-65.