MANILA – Lithuania pulled out a massive upset in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. They defeated the United States, 110-104, last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Vaidas Kariniauskas led the way with 15 points. Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 14 markers, while Jonas Valanciunas contributed 12 markers for Lithuania, which heads to the quarterfinals with 5-0 win-loss slate.
Lithuania had a dream start against the United States. They established a 31-12 lead with their outside conversions after the first 10 minutes before it widened to as high as 21 points in the second quarter.
Team USA went on a huge run in the second half. They cut the deficit to as low as four points several times but Lithuania got timely conversions as the lead reached 11 points late in the fourth quarter.
The Americans made its last push behind three-pointers from Anthony Edwards and free throws by Jalen Brunson to cut the deficit to 104-108 but a fastbreak dunk by Tadas Sedekersis sealed the win for Lithuania.
Edwards top-scored for Team USA with 35 points, Brunson and Mikal Bridges added 14 markers apiece, while Brandon Ingram contributed 10 points as they finished the second round with 4-1 slate.
Meanwhile, Italy reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1998 following a 73-57 domination over Puerto Rico at the close of their second round campaign at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Italians jumped to an early double-digit lead in the opening quarter behind their torrid outside shooting but Puerto Rico responded with their own rally as they took a slim 43-41 lead.
Italy, however, regained their offense as they unleashed a 16-4 scoring barrage in the third quarter for a 51-47 advantage before widening it to its biggest lead of the contest at 16 points.
Giampaolo Ricci and Stefano Tonut led the Italians with 15 points apiece, Simone Fontecchio added double-double 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Luigi Datome contributed 11 points./PN
