Lithuania easily defeats Finland in Valanciunas and Sabonis debut / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: BNS/Erikas Ovčarenko Credit BNS/Erikas Ovčarenko

Jonas Valanciunas and Domantas Sabonis made their debut on the Lithuanian national team this summer. Powered by the big man duo, Lithuania easily defeated Finland at home 76-61 (28-13, 15-16, 20-13, 13-19).

Player of the Game EFF 18 Domantas Sabonis Points 10 Accuracy 5-7 Rebounds 6 Assists 3

Right from the get-go, Lithuania started showing who the better team is. Led by the overwhelming difference of class by both NBA centers, the home team got off to a 15-2 start. The rest of the first quarter followed the same path, and Lithuania led by 15 points after the first 10 minutes.

Although Lithuania led by 14 at the half, the number five-ranked European team continued to pound the ball inside, amassing a more-than-solid 21-point lead after the third quarter.

The final 10 minutes were a mere formality. Although Finland won the final quarter, the winner of the match was never in question.

Domantas Sabonis was the only player that scored in double-digits for Lithuania, leading the team with 10 points in a balanced effort, while also grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. Valanciunas added 8 points and 6 rebounds.

Alexander Madsen was the top-scorer on Finland's roster with 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting and 3 rebounds. Edon Maxhuni added 15 points and 4 assists, while Olivier Nkamhoua contributed with 14 points.

Lithuania scored a whopping 46 points in the paint, and led in all main statistical categories, except the three-point percentage.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow, August 11th, at 18:30 CET.

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