In a recent press conference, Rihards Lomažs, the captain of the Latvian men's basketball national team, emphasized the team's commitment to fighting for a spot in the upcoming World Cup while reflecting on their recent defeat. Latvia suffered a significant loss to Poland in Gdynia during the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, with a final score of 92-72, which followed another disappointing game against the same team just days prior in Riga. This back-to-back defeat puts pressure on the team, but Lomažs insists that they have eight more matches ahead of them and that resilience is crucial.

Lomažs took responsibility for the team's preparedness and acknowledged that their struggles in the first half impacted their overall performance. He stated that while they had opportunities to turn the game around in the second half, they failed to convert key shots. The concern about missed opportunities unearthed anxiety amongst the players, ultimately hampering their effectiveness against a strong Polish side. The team's need to revise their strategy and approach in future games is evident as they strive to change their fortunes in the qualifiers.

Head coach Sito Alonso echoed Lomažs' sentiments, attributing the loss partially to the pressure of missed initial shots, which led to periods of uncertainty and allowed Poland to capitalize on their offensive plays. Despite the setbacks, the team's resolve to improve is clear, as they aim to shift momentum and secure victories that will keep their World Cup hopes alive. With significant matches ahead, Lomažs' statement reinforces the team's determination and willingness to fight until the end, making future games crucial in determining their qualification status.