Israel Loses 85-70 to Latvia, Ending Basketball World Cup Hopes

Israel lost 85-70 to Latvia at Xiaomi Arena in Riga and was mathematically eliminated from contention for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Israel led 22-21 after the first quarter and built an 11-point advantage in the second before Latvia tied the game 41-41 at halftime. Latvia then won the third quarter 26-17 and the fourth 18-12, holding Israel to 29 second-half points while making 14 three-pointers at 47 percent. Arturs Strautins scored 29 points for Latvia; Yam Madar led Israel with 15, Netanel Artzi added 11, and Itay Segev and Roman Sorkin scored nine each.