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31 August, 2017
17 September
6 Kristaps Porzingis (LAT)
10/09/2017
Game Report
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Ruthless Latvia humble Montenegro to book Quarter-Final clash with Slovenia

ISTANBUL (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - A ruthless Latvia thrashed Montenegro 100-68 in the second bracket of the Round of 16 to setup a mouthwatering Quarter-Final with unbeaten Slovenia. 

Latvia dominated from the get go through hot shooting and with a total team effort as eight players got on the scoreboard in the first quarter. 

Latvia blew the game open late in the second quarter and cruised from there, even managing to notch triple figures for the first time this tournament.

Turning point: After being in an early hole, Montenegro clawed the deficit back to six points midway through the second quarter before Latvia put the foot down. 

A three-pointer by Janis Strelnieks steadied Latvia and they stretched the margin to a sizeable 16 points by half-time.  

Stats-don't-lie: When Latvia are firing from long range, they are very hard to stop. Clearly, Montenegro can attest to that. Latvia shot a sizzling 15-of-25 from downtown, while Montenegro shot 9-of 22. 

Game hero: It was a team effort by Latvia and it is almost unfair to single one player out. Kristaps Porzingis continued to defy physics with some of his aerial finishes, but Janis Timma deserves the nod after a fine all-round game of 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. 

They said: "From the beginning we played our basketball. We played fast and shot from the outside. As soon as we got the rebound, we were just running, which is what we wanted to do against them. Slovenia are a good team. Dragic is one of the best transition players. I have to make sure I get back and protect the rim." - Kristaps Porzingis talking about his team's victory over Montenegro and looking ahead to the Quarter-Final against Slovenia. 

Highlights 

 FIBA