Latvia may not have won their game against Spain on Tuesday, but they offered further evidence that they have all the makings of a team that can reach the latter stages of the EuroBasket.

The difference between this year’s side and those in the past is clearly the emergence of Andris Biedrins, their low post threat who never shied away from attacking the basket

		Elvis Evora will have to contain Biedrins if Portugal are to have any chance.

against the Spanish, even when going up against Pau Gasol.

The team has so many good shooters that opponents simply cannot afford to sag on defense to help out on Biedrins. If they do, the Latvians will bury three-pointers.

The Latvians go into Wednesday’s game against Portugal wanting to get the winning feeling back, and that should happen judging from Portugal’s heavy defeats to Spain and Croatia.

Last Time Out: Croatia defeated Portugal 90-68 while Spain pulled away from Latvia, 93-77.

Key Match-up: Elvis Evora of Portugal must put his body on Biedrins to allow his team-mates to extend to the perimeter and guard the Latvian shooters.

Key Stat: Latvia are shooting a hugely impressive 20 of 40 (50%) from three-point range.

X-Factor: Latvia’s Armands Skele is one of the most talented point guards in this competition and on a good night can be the best player on the floor.

Speaking out: “It was the great support of our fans and the team always managed to find a way out of the bad luck to keep the game interesting” – Latvia coach Karlis Muiznieks