“Despite the fact that we lost and by quite a margin, I’d say we had a better game than in Moscow [against Russia]. I think we showed more heart, aggressiveness and signs of life today,” said Lithuania’s coach Kestutis Kemzura.
Spain dominated from the get-go, but the Lithuanians managed to keep the score close until halftime, as Darius Songaila nailed a mid-range at the buzzer to get Lithuanian within six points at 42-48.
However, the five minute scoring draught that Lithuania went into in the start third quarter decided the outcome of the game, as Spain took a 56-42 lead.
Ksystof Lavrinovic led Lithuania with 12 points and 8 rebounds, Rimantas Kaukenas had 11 points, while Jonas Valanciunas collected 10 points in only 11 minutes of court time.
“We played against an impressive frontcourt. It was really tough and there’s a lot of space for us to improve. Gasol brothers are the best centers in Europe,” Jonas Valanciunas said after the game.
Pau Gasol was the leading scorer for Spain with 17 points and 7 rebounds in his account, Juan Carlos Navarro finished the game with 13 while the Lithuanian frontcourt couldn’t find an antidote for the Spanish big men as Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka collected 12 each.
