Latvia overcame Cuba to play in the final

　　21 August 2007

　　JIYUAN, Henan Province - The first semi-final game of the four-nation tournament was played between Cuba and Latvia.The Latvian team took an early 9-2 lead and was successful with the 3-point shots in the first quarter. Their tight defense also prevented the Cubans from shooting near the basket. Cuba's shots from the outside were poor and they trailed 15-23 at the end of the first quarter.The experienced Cuban team speeded up the tempo in the second period and disrupted Latvia's long-distance attacks. The Latvian team, however, held a 40-35 lead at the half.

　　Cuba socred on a Latvian turnover and took a 43-42 lead once with 7 minutes left in the third. But from this point on, Latvia would possess the lead. The young Latvian team was able to use the fast-pace game to their advantage and they scored on fast breaks. Elina Babkina's last second 3-point field goal extended the Latvian lead to 56-49 at the end of the third period.

　　In the last period, the Latvians were still able to force the Cuban layers to make mostly outside shots and the Latvians also protected their defensive board well. The game was nailed down when Latvia made a 3-point shot with a minute left in the game. Latvia finally won 72-61 and will play China in the tournament final.