Spain in trance after beating Lithuania: 'It's like a fairytale we don't want to end' / News - Basketnews.com

Following Spain's thrilling victory over Lithuania in the EuroBasket Round of 16, coach Sergio Scariolo, point guard Lorenzo Brown and center Usman Garuba talked about their emotions.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Spain edged out Lithuania after a thrilling game that was decided in overtime, and coach Sergio Scariolo could not hide his joy after his team qualified for the quarterfinals.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Lorenzo Brown Points 28 Accuracy 9-20 Rebounds 3 Assists 8

"We are where few thought we could be but we are, deservedly so. It is like a fairy tale we don't want to end. We will try do everything possible to keep it going," the Italian tactician assured at the press conference.

Scariolo made clear the tremendous pride he felt for his players: "In the current squad there are nine who have never played a EuroBasket. They have come from behind, have remained firm and have found a way to win even in extra time", said the experienced play-caller, who described Spain's win as "incredible".

Scariolo further emphasized that his team must remain "humble" ahead of the quarterfinal clash that will be played on Tuesday against the winner of Croatia-Finland.

"We are here, in the quarterfinals. We have beaten one of the favorites and we are going to try to have a new opportunity. Why not?", he added.

Scariolo also highlighted the excellent performance of Lorenzo Brown. The naturalized guard scored 8 points in overtime and 28 overall to pace Spain when they needed some offensive thrust.

"His teammates have followed him, they have encouraged him and, of course, they were prepared to convert his passes", he said about the American-born point guard: "I would highlight his desire to be a team player in a team that has history and tradition," he pointed out.

Lorenzo Brown commented on the game in the presser, highlighting "the fight and the great defense" as keys to victory.

"Even if I haven’t been here long, I feel like these guys. They have known each other so long and they brought me in as one of them. So, it's just an amazing feeling to have that brotherhood. It's really a family.

Lorenzo Brown

Team:Maccabi Tel AvivPosition:PG, SGAge:32Height:198 cmWeight:90 kgBirth place:Georgia, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

I am coming in here and I am a regular American guy and those guys are talking in Spanish. And I am learning every single day, so it's amazing what I have learned and how they treated me so far. The outside noise doesn’t bother me at all. I am just worried about what these guys feel about me. And it’s amazing. They love me and I love these guys".

Usman Garuba put a lot of intensity into Spain's defense. The Rockets big man knows that this game presented everyone with the opportunity to label the tournament as successful.

"I remember those who doubted us. If they don't want to believe, they shouldn't believe. We don't care. We are going to keep fighting. We want more," the former Real Madrid player told the media.

Credit FIBA

Even Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a big basketball fan and former player, conveyed his support and praise:

"What a great game! Our team didn't stop believing in victory until extra time. You are incredible and you have given a lesson of effort and teamwork to get to the quarterfinals and take Spanish basketball to the top," he wrote on Twitter.

Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.