Triumphant Latvia Win Derby Thriller

RIGA (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers) - There were celebrations in Riga as Latvia dug out a nerve-shredding 65-62 success against neighbours Lithuania in a gripping first EuroBasket Women 2017 qualifier in Group A.

Turning Point: The experience of Anete Jekabsone-Zogota was decisive down the stretch as she expertly ran down the game clock to just five seconds as she penetrated and then dished up a sweet bounce pass to the baseline cutter Dita Rosenberga, who finished smartly at the hoop. It gave Latvia a three-point lead with three seconds remaining, which they managed to defend to avoid overtime and take the victory.

Stats Don't Lie: Turnovers were the story of the game as Lithuania spilled the ball an eye-watering 32 times - several of them in the vital closing minutes.

Game Heroes: Jekabsone-Zogota scored 15 points and did the business when it mattered, while Zane Teilane returned to also score 15 points in an efficient performance which also harvested six boards. Meanwhile Dita Rozenberga may have only scored six points, but she never missed a shot, grabbed four precious steals and only spilled the ball once.

The Bottom Line: The result was hanging in the balance, but Lithuania didn't score enough points in the paint and threw the ball away cheaply which was disappointing from their standpoint, with Santa Okockyte doing so 10 times. Latvia didn't play their best, but welcomed back several players including Teilane and Elina Babkina. This opener was all about the win and they got it - having initially endured a nightmare 15-2 opening.

They Said: "We made the first step towards the Final Round. Character and team spirit played a big part in our win. It`s very hard to prepare in a few days. That`s why we had so many turnovers tonight. We were ready to neutralise Lithuania's ball handlers and executed our game plan well." - Latvia head coach Martins Zibarts.

FIBA