Lithuania
put on a show in their opening game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in
Caracas against the hosts Venezuela to cruise to an impressive 100-82 (23-21, 26-15, 31-28, 20-18)
victory on Tuesday night and start the Olympic campaign on a good note.
Linas
Kleiza was once again back to his usual self after a poor preparation period,
scoring 28 points, with 19 coming in the first half.
“Linas got
some open looks and used them. He’s stronger than any of the opponent’s
forwards and had advantage, which he used,” said the team’s head coach Kestutis
Kemzura.
Mantas
Kalnietis scored 13 points and dished out eight assists, while Martynas Pocius
chipped in with 12 points and 5 steals.
The New
Olreans Hornets guard Greivis Vasquez was the top-scorer for Venezuela with 24
points, also adding 7 assists, John Cox and Oscar Torres both scored 14 points
as Gregory Echenique finished the game with 12.
Lithuania
will face Nigeria today in the second game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament
on Wedensday night.
