Lithuania overcomes one-man show by Vezenkov to continue its perfect streak / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Lithuania (5-0) extended their perfect run in Group F of the World Cup European Qualifiers despite the monster game by Sasha Vezenkov.

Player of the Game EFF 12 Laurynas Birutis Points 10 Accuracy 5-5 Rebounds 5 Assists 0

The Baltic country prevailed over Bulgaria (1-4) 72-70 (16-22, 18-8, 17-25, 21-15) on the road.

Led by Sasha Vezenkov, Bulgaria started the third quarter with a 12-0 push and created an 8-point advantage (42-34). Although Lithuania responded at the end of the period (48-49), Vezenkov was not ready to stop.

He guided his team to the double-digit lead at the start of the decisive tally by organizing a 6-0 run (61-51). Despite that, Lithuania came back one more time. Kazys Maksvytis' squad spurted 14-2 and retook the lead (65-63) with 3:45 to go.

The game was tied at 69 with 1:30 left on the clock but Ignas Brazdeikis contributed with an important basket (71-69). Vezenkov converted one shot from the charity stripe on the other end (70-71). Both national teams exchanged with inefficient attacks.

Bulgaria had a chance to win the game but Stanimir Marinov missed the crucial layup.

Ignas Brazdeikis of Orlando Magic led the scoring race for Lithuania, posting 13 points (5/9 2PT, 0/6 3PT, 3/3 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 1 steal, and 10 PIR.

Sasha Vezenkov was unstoppable for the losing side. Olympiacos Piraeus' star finished the match with a strong double-double: 29 points (8/14 2PT, 3/9 3PT, 4/5 FT), 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 2 steals, and 30 PIR.

Lithuania: Ignas Brazdeikis 13 (6 REB), Marius Grigonis 12 (6 REB), Laurynas Birutis 10 (5 REB).

Bulgaria: Sasha Vezenkov 29 (11 REB), Dimitar Dimitrov 9 (7 REB), Yordan Minchev 9, Dee Bost 9 (5 REB).

Highlights

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