Lithuania edge out Czech Republic to finish first FIBA window on a high note / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Lithuania (2-0) prevailed Czech Republic (0-2) 74-66 (19-23, 26-9, 9-18, 20-16) in a tough fight of the FIBA World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers.

Player of the Game EFF 17 Eigirdas Žukauskas Points 11 Accuracy 4-8 Rebounds 8 Assists 2

The Czech Republic closed the third quarter with an 8-0 spurt to reduce the gap between the teams to 4 points (50-54). They gained a minimal advantage at the mid-fourth period (59-58) but Lithuania responded with a three (61-59).

Eigirdas Zukauskas and Tomas Kyzlink exchanged with successful attacks (63-62) with 3 minutes to go. The same Eigirdas Zukauskas drained a crucial trey (67-62) with 2 minutes left. However, after the time out, Jaromir Bohacik hit a 3-point step-back jumper on the other end.

Both teams struggled to score but Arnas Butkevicius was fouled and scored 2 points from the line (69-65), 42 seconds were left on the clock. Czechs turned the ball over a couple of times, while Arnas Butkevicius scored a duo and Mindaugas Kuzminskas nailed a half-court shot before the buzzer (74-66).

Martynas Echodas was a top performer for Lithuania, posting a double-double with 12 points (4/5 2PT, 4/6 FT), 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 turnovers, 1 steal, and 19 PIR.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas aided him with 13 points (3/6 2PT, 2/2 3PT, 1/2 FT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 17 PIR.

The Czech Republic found an X factor in Tomas Kyzlink who accumulated 21 points (6/8 2PT, 1/3 3PT, 6/8 FT), 4 rebounds, and 18 PIR.

The Czech Republic came out strong from the first minute, opening the game with a 10-2 stretch. Nevertheless, Lithuania led by Mindaugas Kuzminskas reduced the deficit to 2 points (19-21) at the end of the first period.

The Baltic country did not stop and organized a 10-0 run to gain a 9-point advantage (34-25) in the second. Lithuanians locked up the Czechs, leaving them with 9 points in the quarter. Both squads went to the locker room while the scoreboard was showing 45-32 for Lithuania.

David Jelinek, who had 31 points in the losing effort against Bosnia and Herzegovina, seriously sprained his left ankle in the second period and could not continue the game for the Czech Republic.

Lithuania: Mindaugas Kuzminskas 13 (4 AST), Martynas Echodas 12 (11 REB), Eigirdas Zukauskas 11 (8 REB, 18 PIR).

Czech Republic: Tomas Kyzlink 21 (4 REB), Jaromir Bohacik 13, Martin Peterka 9 (5 REB).

Highlights

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.