Kublina leads Latvia in loss to China

HAINING, China -- Former Virginia Tech standout Ieva Kublina was the only player for Latvia in double figures in a 63-51 loss to China in the third place game of the FIBA Diamond Ball for Women, an Olympic tuneup event. Kublina tallied 10 points with three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 19 minutes. The Latvians struggled throughout the contest shooting only 54 percent (15-of-28) from the free throw line and suffering 25 turnovers. In three games in the tournament, Kublina averaged 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds.

Latvia will open play in the 2008 Olympics on Sat. Aug. 9 against Russia in Group A. The Latvians defeated Russia, 74-69, in their opening game of the Diamond Ball tournament. The United States defeated current world champion Australia, 71-67, in the title game.

China 63, Latvia 51