Ukraine basketball defeats Latvia 84–82 in exhibition match

The Ukraine national basketball team secured a narrow 84–82 victory over Latvia in an exhibition match held in Riga. The game served as preparation for the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk led Ukraine with 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Other notable contributors for Ukraine included Ivan Tkachenko and Oleksandr Kovliar. Latvia’s performance was highlighted by Artūrs Strautiņš, who scored 20 points, and captain Rihards Lomanžs.

Following the match, Ukraine head coach Ainars Bagatskis praised his team's physicality but noted the need to avoid emotional errors and improve defensive discipline. Latvian coach Jānis Gailītis emphasized that his team must focus on defense rather than difficult shots to win future contests. The match also saw Latvia's Kārlis Šiliņš leave the court early after receiving a blow to the nose.