LAT – Vecvagars: “Everyone is contributing”

VALMIERA (FIBA U19 World Championship) – Latvian point guard Kaspars Vacvagars was struggling to find words to sum up his emotions following his side’s 78-68 victory over Australia.
 
FIBA: What were your emotions following the game?
 
Vecvagars: Fantastic! I really lack the words to describe it. The whole crowd supported us for the entire length of the match. We are in this to play to win so nothing more can be desired.
 
FIBA: What was key to your performance in getting up to beat one of the favorite teams at this tournament, Australia?
 
Vecvagars: I think we played smarter than our opponent. We also hit a number of successful shots. Davis [Bertans] read the game very well and that provided the basis for our victory. Edmunds [Dukulis] played fantastic under the basket. Maybe Janis [Timm] was not successful in terms of points scored but he did a tremendous job on defense and passing. Everyone did a lot to contribute to this win.
 
FIBA: In this atmosphere is it easier to play or on the contrary – is the pressure higher?
 
Vecvagars: I would not say that today was difficult. It was however at the beginning of the first game but after the start we overcame the anxiety. Today has been easier and also the game itself was better quality than the game against Chinese Taipei.
 
FIBA: You played a great game…
 
Vecvagars: I just did my job. I trusted the coach and did what I could do. Everything was OK.
 
FIBA: Before the tournament you had an injured hand. Is it interfering with your performance?
 
Vecvagars: It's all right, it is not interfering any more.
 
FIBA: Your last group game is against Argentina. What do you know about them?
 
Vecvagars: Argentina is Argentina. They have been and remain one of the best teams in the world. It will not be easy. We need to concentrate like we have for all the other games and if we do this everything will be fine.

FIBA