Franz Wagner returns, leads Germany past Latvia to World Cup semifinal / News - Basketnews.com

Franz Wagner scored 16 points in his return, leading Germany to an 81-79 win against Latvia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Franz Wagner made his return and helped Germany to stay perfect in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 after a big 4th quarter performance against Latvia.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Franz Wagner Points 16 Accuracy 5-8 Rebounds 8 Assists 3

Gordon Herbert's squad beat Latvia 81-79 (13-16, 23-18, 26-25, 19-20) and advanced to the semifinal, in which it will face Team USA.

Wagner, who played his first game since August 25, finished the game with a team-high 16 points (3/4 2PT, 2/4 3PTT, 4/5 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover, and a team-high 22 EFF.

Despite a shaky start, Germany bounced back and was leading 36-34 at halftime. Latvia successfully went neck-to-neck in the third quarter as well, but Germany made a big run at the beginning of 4th period.

Franz Wagner made a layup, Isaach Bonga sank a 3-pointer, while Mo Wagner stole the ball and made a big slam, inspiring Germany's 14-1 run that built a 14-point lead for the Germans (74-60).

Yet, Latvians didn't want to give up just yet. Rolands Smits made 3-pointers, and Arturs Zagars added another one, cutting Latvia's deficit to only 5 points (69-74).

But then, it was Dennis Schroder's time to shine. Germany's leader scored 5 points in a row, and Germany gained a double-digit lead once again with a little bit more than 2 minutes left (79-69).

However, Latvia made another comeback. Rodions Kurucs made a 3-pointer, Zagars converted both free throws, and added a lay-up, as Latvia was trailing by only 2 points with less than a minute left (77-79).

Daniel Theis responded with two free throws, but Zagars made another successful drive with 33 seconds left.

Schroder missed a floater, and after securing a rebound, Latvia had 6 seconds to respond. Bertans picked up a ball and attempted a long-range 3-pointer, but it hit the rim, and the final buzzer announced Germany's win.

It was a night to forget for Germany's star Dennis Schroder, who finished the game with 9 points (4/18 2PT, 0/8 3PT, 1/1 FT), 4 assists, 1 rebound, 4 turnovers, 2 steals, and -10 EFF.

Meanwhile, Latvia was led by the Bertans-Zagars duo.

Zagars finished the game with 24 points (5/9 2PT, 4/8 3PT, 2/2 FT), 8 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 24 EFF.

Bertans contributed with 20 points (0/1 2PT, 6/13 3PT, 2/2 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, and 15 EFF.

Germany: Franz Wagner 16 (8 REB, 22 EFF), Andreas Obst 13 (3/6 3PT), Mo Wagner 12 (3/3 2PT, 6/6 FT), Johannes Thiemann 10 (4/4 2PT, 7 REB).

Latvia: Arturs Zagars 24 (5/9 2PT, 4/8 3PT, 8 AST, 24 EFF), Davis Bertans 20 (6/13 3PT), Rolands Smits 14 (3/8 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 8 REB).

Franz Wagner highlights

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