Germany stored its immaculate run intact because it ended the dream run of debutant Latvia, 81-79, to guide a semifinals ticket to the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Wednesday evening on the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Germans remained unbeaten in six video games after going 5-0 within the first and group phases.
Latvia, which pulled off upsets towards powerhouse France and Spain, was booted out after an admirable run however will nonetheless play within the classification.
Neither group may draw back till the third quarter with the returning Franz Wagner, who had been out because the opening recreation day towards Japan as a consequence of an ankle harm, drilling essential buckets within the third.
The Orlando Magic star accomplished a three-point play probability for a slim 43-42 lead earlier than he made it a 53-50 cushion with a triple. Still, the upset-minded Latvia stored tempo towards the Germans with Arturs Zagars main the way in which as they ended the third trailing by simply three, 62-59.
But momentum abruptly swung to Germany because it opened the body with an 11-0 run instigated by Wagner capped by his brother Mo Wagner’s slam, 70-59. Latvia, nonetheless, answered with a 10-4 rampage highlighted by three straight triples, two of which got here from Rolands Smits.
Dennis Schroder then had a private 5-0 run for one more double-digit lead, 79-69. But issues received fascinating when Zagars hit a layup for a 79-77 deficit with 1:11 left.
Daniel Theis then sank two free throws for an 81-77 unfold. Zagars nonetheless knocked down one other bucket however Davis Bertans missed out on his final triple try, giving Germany the victory.
Franz Wagner completed with 16 factors, eight rebounds, and three assists whereas Mo Wagner chipped in 12 markers, 4 boards, and two steals as Germany joined USA and Serbia within the semis solid.
Schroder, in the meantime, chimed in with 9 factors and 4 dimes as Andreas Obst collected 13 markers.
Bertans paced Latvia with 20 factors whereas Smits had 14 markers and eight rebounds.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
