FIBA World Cup 2023 live: Latvia demolish Lithuania, Zagars makes World Cup history / News - Basketnews.com

Saturday's Classification Games at the FIBA World Cup 2023 tipped off with Slovenia clinching the 7th spot after downing Italy in Gigi Datome's farewell game, and the Baltic derby for the 5th place, involving Latvia and Lithuania.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be all about nostalgia on Saturday as the Classification Games provide us with a local rivalry and the last goodbyes of a European basketball legend.

Latvia beat Lithuania 98-63 behind a 17-assist performance by Arturs Zagars, who became the new all-time assist king in World Cup history.

Latvia hit 6/9 3-point shots in the first quarter en route to a 28-20 lead. Arturs Kurucs had 11 points in that span, while Lithuania mostly relied on Rokas Jokubaitis and Jonas Valanciunas, who combined for 17 points.

Even though Latvia's 3-point percentage waned in the second quarter, Arturs Zagars kept dishing out assists (10 at the half-time break) and helped his team score easy baskets. Lithuania couldn't score from distance and was reduced to a secondary role, as Latvia led by as many as 11 (49-38) after the first 20 minutes.

Coming back right after the break, Ignas Brazdeikis left the court with a knee injury. That turned out to be a crucial factor in the game since Latvia increased the lead to 24 (63-39) on the back of a partial score of 14-1 in less than three minutes, and largely thanks to Grazulis' and Arturs Kurucs' shooting.

Latvia were up 86-50 after 32 minutes, as Lithuania were unable to resist.

The day started with Italy squaring off against Slovenia in the battle for 7th place. Luka Doncic was 2 assists away from the first-ever FIBA World Cup triple-double, but his 29-point performance was just enough to overcome Italy 89-85 and repeat Slovenia's best result in the tournament.

One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the farewell of Italian veteran Luigi Datome, who is determined to finish his professional basketball journey. His last game stopped with 3:26 to go in the fourth quarter, while the 35-year-old received standing ovations from the crowd.

Every game of the World Cup can be streamed live or on-demand via the officialCourtside 1891 platform.(Streaming restrictions apply)

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Completed games

Latvia vs. Lithuania

Live BoxscoreLive Stream

Italy85-89Slovenia

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