2023 World Cup: Lithuania storm past USA, clinch top spot in Group J

Vaidas Kariniauskas

USA - Lithuania 104-110

Lithuania came up with an outstanding performance on Sunday as they handed USA the first loss at the championship. Vaidas Kariniauskas (199-PG-1993) scored 15 points as the Baltic team clinched the top spot in Group J.
Lithuania silenced the North American team in the first period. The Europeans sank impressive 31 points in the opening quarter to gain a comfortable 19-point lead. USA slowly turned the engines on in the second period going for 25 points and cutting the deficit at 17-point mark. USA followed with a strong 28-17 rally in the third term to pull within 6 points 65-71. Jalen Brunson (185-G-1996, college: Villanova) put USA within 4 points 85-89 midway through the fourth quarter. But Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-1990) and Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-PF-1989) responded with quick five points to restore a safe distance. Tadas Sedekerskis (206-F-1998) stretched the lead to double digits 98-88 late in regulation. And later Tomas Dimsa (195-SG-1994) and Rokas Jokubaitis (193-PG-2000) ensured a 103-92 advantage for Lithuania. Anthony Edwards (196-G-2001, college: Georgia) and Mikal Bridges (198-G/F-1996, college: Villanova) kept USA hopeful as they cut the lead to 5 points with 45 seconds to go. But Margiris Normantas (194-G-1996) and Vaidas Kariniauskas sealed the victory from the charity stripe. Mindaugas Kuzminskas scored 14 points in the win. Anthony Edwards answered with game-high 35 points for USA. Mikal Bridges had 14 points in the first loss for the North American powerhouse at the tournament.

Tags : VAIDAS KARINIAUSKAS, WORLD CUP BASKETBALL, LITHUANIAN NATIONAL TEAM