Wagner brothers take charge as Germany ends Latvia's dream run to clinch FIBA semis berth

Germany kept its immaculate run intact as it ended the dream run of debutant Latvia, 81-79, to book a semifinals ticket to the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Germans remained unbeaten in six games after going 5-0 in the first and group stages.

Latvia, which pulled off upsets against powerhouse France and Spain, was booted out after an admirable run but will still play in the classification.

Neither team could pull away until the third quarter with the returning Franz Wagner, who had been out since the opening game day against Japan due to an ankle injury, drilling important buckets in the third.

The Orlando Magic star completed a three-point play chance for a slim 43-42 lead before he made it a 53-50 cushion with a triple. Still, the upset-minded Latvia kept pace against the Germans with Arturs Zagars leading the way as they ended the third trailing by just three, 62-59.

But momentum suddenly swung to Germany as it opened the frame with an 11-0 run instigated by Wagner capped by his brother Mo Wagner's slam, 70-59. Latvia, however, answered with a 10-4 rampage highlighted by three straight triples, two of which came from Rolands Smits.

Dennis Schroder then had a personal 5-0 run for another double-digit lead, 79-69. But things got interesting when Zagars hit a layup for a 79-77 deficit with 1:11 left.

Daniel Theis then sank two free throws for an 81-77 spread. Zagars still knocked down another bucket but Davis Bertans missed out on his last triple attempt, giving Germany the victory.

Franz Wagner finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists while Mo Wagner chipped in 12 markers, four boards, and two steals as Germany joined USA and Serbia in the semis cast.

Schroder, meanwhile, chimed in with nine points and four dimes as Andreas Obst collected 13 markers.

Bertans paced Latvia with 20 points while Smits had 14 markers and eight rebounds.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News