Lithuania stuns Team USA

LAS VEGAS – After running over the competition with relative ease, Team USA lost to Lithuania at the FIBA World Cup in Manila on Sunday, 110-104.

Despite the defeat, however, the Americans still advanced to the knockout round with a 4-1 record. 

Lithuania, led by NBA veteran Jonas Valančiūnas of the New Orleans Pelicans, claimed the top spot in the group.

“I didn’t feel like we let down,” Team USA’s head coach Steve Kerr said. “They just punched us in the mouth. Right away, they made every shot. They executed.”

Indeed, Lithuania got off to a sizzling start. They sank their first nine three-pointers and surged ahead with a 31-12 lead after the first quarter. Lithuania would keep this momentum all through the second quarter, ending the half 54-37.

The Americans shot back with a 15-2 run to start the third quarter but they were never able to take the lead. Despite a full-court press and intentional fouls late in the fourth quarter to extend the game, Lithuania kept their composure, calmly sinking free throws and making good passes. 

Anthony Edwards finished his Herculean outing for Team USA with 35 points. However, his brilliance could not overcome Lithuania’s onslaught, whose performance was truly a team effort.

Five Lithuanians scored in double digits, six had three or more rebounds, and nine hit at least one three-pointer to combine for an incredible 14 of 25 from three-point range. The most glaring stat was the discrepancy in rebounding. Lithuania

 dominated the boards, grabbing 43 rebounds to the Americans’ 27.

“They outrebounded us, for sure,” USA forward Bobby Portis said. “I don’t have to look at that stat. I think that was kinda obvious.”

Regarding the adjustments Team USA needs to make, Kerr remarked, “Next game, we have to start the way we did in the second half. We can’t ease into the game at all.”

Both teams had already secured their quarterfinal berths last week. As such, this loss only affected Team USA’s seeding. The Americans will face the Italians in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, where a loss will be much less forgiving.