Issouf Sanon scored 16 points to lead the Ukrainian men's national basketball team to a hard-fought 90:86 victory over the Netherlands in their first friendly match in Riga. The game serves as preparation for Ukraine's upcoming World Championship-2027 pre-qualification games scheduled for August.
Coach Ainars Bagatskis watched his team overcome a challenging start, as the Dutch squad dominated early and built a 12-point halftime advantage. The Netherlands took the first quarter 23:14 and maintained control through the second period.
However, the Ukrainians found their rhythm after the break. They seized momentum in the third quarter, outscoring their opponents 31:23, and continued their strong play in the final frame with a 22:14 advantage to secure the comeback win.
Ilya Tyrtyshnik contributed 15 points to Ukraine's effort, while veterans Vyacheslav Kravtsov and Oleksandr Kovlyar added 13 points each. Worth noting, Artem Kovalov delivered a balanced performance with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
The coaching staff utilized 12 players during the contest, keeping young talents Sushkin, Sypal, and Semerych on the bench. This rotation strategy suggests Bagatskis is still evaluating his optimal lineup ahead of the crucial qualification matches.
Both teams will meet again tomorrow, July 25, for their second friendly matchup in Riga. Will Ukraine maintain their momentum, or will the Netherlands adjust their game plan to even the series?
