Latvian legionnaires: Ķilps scores 17 on debut in Poland, Gailītis' Strasbourg claims first win
In the latest round-up of Latvian basketball players and coaches abroad, newcomer Kristaps Ķilps scored 17 points on his Polish league debut, while Jānis Gailītis' Strasbourg side picked up its first win of the season in France.
Latvian basketball players and coaches competing abroad took part in fresh league action across several European competitions this week, with mixed results.
Poland and the Adriatic League
In Poland, Toruń opened its season with a home defeat to Szczecin, 85:104. New signing Kristaps Ķilps made his debut, playing just under 25 minutes and scoring 17 points on 2-of-6 two-point shooting, 4-of-7 from three-point range and 1-of-2 free throws, while adding three assists and two rebounds. Toruń's top scorer was Luka Šakota with 27 points, while the visitors were led by former VEF player Zaīrs Porters, who finished with 21.
In the Adriatic League, Ljubljana's Cedevita Olimpija began its campaign with a home win over Zagreb's Cibona, 89:76. Rihards Lomažs had a limited scoring role, finishing with three points, but contributed five assists over more than 23 minutes on court.
Turkey and Spain
In Turkey, Petkim Spor, which had opened the season with a win, lost on the road to Esenler Erokspor, 87:96. Anžejs Pasečņiks scored eight points in just under 16 minutes.
In Spain's ACB league, Tenerife secured its first win of the season, beating Unicaja 80:75 away in Malaga. Artūrs Kurucs played just over 11 minutes and scored three points. One tier below, Gran Canaria picked up its second win of the campaign, defeating Fuenlabrada 79:68 on the road, with Roberts Stumbris contributing five points in 20 minutes.
Coaches in France and Portugal
Latvia's national team head coach Jānis Gailītis leads French club Strasbourg, which claimed its first win of the season after an opening-round loss, beating Bouzalac 87:75 at home. Jaylen Hands led the winners with 18 points.
In Portugal, Ainars Bagatskis' Benfica, which did not qualify for this season's Champions League, won the Lisbon derby against Sporting 84:71. James Slater and Luther Muhammad each scored 21 points for the winning side.
