World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers: Italy nip Lithuania in Klaipeda

Lithuania - Italy 81-82

Nicolo Mannion (190-PG-2001, college: Arizona) converted a layup with 7 seconds left in regulation to propel Italy to the debut win in the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers Group D. They upset Lithuania in Klaipeda to improve at 1-1 record. Gabriele Procida (198-SG-2002) stepped up with 24 points. Stefano Tonut (194-G/F-1993) added 16 points, while Nicolo Mannion had 15 in the victory.
Lithuania looked in control in the first half. The hosts built a 39-34 halftime advantage. But Italy erased the deficit in the third term. The Azzurri tied things up at 54 heading into the fourth frame. Nicolo Mannion gave Italy an 80-74 lead with just over a minute remaining in regulation. But Ignas Sargiunas (196-SG-1999, college: Colorado St.), Marek Blazevic (209-C-2001) and Arnas Velicka (195-PG-1999) scored 7 points in a row for the hosts to give Lithuania an 81-80 lead. Not for long though as Nicolo Mannion responded at the other end with a what turned to be a decisive layup.
Ignas Sargiunas finished with 18 points, while Arnas Velicka, Mantas Rubstavicius (198-G/F-2002) and Gytis Radzevicius (197-SF-1995) tossed in 12 points each for the home side.