Latvia clinched an unexpected win over powerhouse Russia 75-69 in the FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament for Women on Saturday, August 2 in Haining, China.
Latvia's Anete Jekabsone-Zogota had a game-high 34 points in addition to six rebounds. The winning team, who earned a spot in Olympic competition through the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Spain, also had Leva Kublina and Gunta Basko weighing in with eight points apiece, while seven points came from Aija Brumermane.
Meanwhile, recently naturalized Russian citizen and WNBA star Becky Hammon only contributed three points, all free throws, in 23 minutes.
Latvia trailed just 14-12 behind Russia after the opening quarter, but by halftime Latvia enjoyed a seven-point lead at 36-29. Russia outscored them in the third 21-15, but Latvia recovered in the fourth for the win. Despite Latvia's 20 turnovers and Russia having the biggest run of the game with 20 points, Latvia delivered the game by shooting with more precision than the 2006 World Championship silver medal team.
On the Russian side, Illona Korstin scored 16 points to tie with Maria Stepanova, who also grabbed nine rebounds. Tatiana Shchegoleva came just behind with 13 points and three boards. Irina Sokolovskaya was the top rebounder for the team, grabbing 10 to go with her 10 points.
This loss aside, Russia will still enter the Olympic tournament as one of the favorites after they upset the United States en route to a second-place finish at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Brazil and claimed the 2007 Eurobasket gold.
Russia and Latvia will compete in Olympic Women's Basketball group A, which also boasts Athens silver medal Australia, South American powerhouse Brazil, 2007 Asian Champion Republic of Korea and first time Olympic participants Belarus.
The Olympic Women's Basketball tournament will be held from August 9-23 at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium.
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