Slovenia Women edged Latvia Women 70-64 in a hard-fought European Women’s Basketball Championship qualifier on Sunday, holding off a late comeback to secure a crucial home victory.

Match overview

The game was tight from the opening tip. Both teams traded baskets early, with neither side able to build a significant lead. Slovenia’s interior scoring gave them a slight edge, and they led 18-16 after the first quarter. The second quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find rhythm. Latvia’s three-point shooting kept them close, but Slovenia’s offensive rebounding and second-chance points gave them a 34-30 halftime lead.

The third quarter saw Slovenia create some separation. A 9-2 run midway through the period pushed their lead to 49-38, and they appeared to be pulling away. However, Latvia responded with a 10-2 run of their own to cut the deficit to 51-48 heading into the final quarter. The fourth quarter was tense. Latvia tied the game at 58-58 with four minutes remaining, but Slovenia’s veteran guard hit a clutch three-pointer and followed it with a steal-and-layup to restore a five-point lead. Latvia had chances to close the gap but missed key free throws, and Slovenia sealed the win at the line.

Key moments

• Third-quarter run: Slovenia’s 9-2 burst gave them a 49-38 lead and seemed to put them in control.
• Latvia’s response: A 10-2 run to close the third quarter brought Latvia back within three.
• Clutch finish: Slovenia’s back-to-back baskets in the final three minutes proved decisive.

Tactical story

Slovenia’s coach emphasized ball movement and interior play, and the team executed well in the first half. They attacked Latvia’s post defense with high-low passes and offensive rebounds, finishing with 14 second-chance points. Latvia, meanwhile, relied heavily on three-point shooting, attempting 28 threes and making 10. However, Latvia’s inability to convert inside — only 16 points in the paint — and their 16 turnovers proved costly. Slovenia’s defense tightened in the final quarter, forcing Latvia into contested shots and securing key defensive rebounds.

Standout players

Slovenia’s guard Nina Kovačič led all scorers with 19 points and added 6 assists, including the clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter. Forward Ana Zupan contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, while center Maja Novak added 12 points and 8 rebounds. For Latvia, guard Elīna Bērziņa scored 17 points, and forward Līga Liepiņa added 13 points and 9 rebounds. Latvia’s leading scorer shot just 6-of-18 from the field, and the team’s 60% free-throw shooting hurt them in crunch time.

Season impact

The win gives Slovenia a valuable early advantage in the group and boosts their confidence ahead of a tough qualifying campaign. Latvia, despite a strong fight, will rue missed opportunities and poor free-throw shooting. The narrow margin means both teams will need to be sharp in their remaining fixtures, but Slovenia can take heart from their ability to close out a tight game.