Victorious Maksvytis debut: Lithuania takes care of business against Bulgaria / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Kazys Maksvytis made a successful debut at the helm of the Lithuania national team. Lithuania (1-0) eased past Bulgaria (0-1) 89-69 (22-11, 20-20, 27-16, 20-22) at home in the Group F of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.

Lithuania / Schedule

Lithuania Bulgaria89-69 Czech Republic LithuaniaMon16:00

Lithuania was trailing by 7 points (4-11) at the mid-first quarter but then, the Baltic country went on a massive 25-0 push which lasted until the start of the second period.

They created a solid 18-point advantage (29-11) as national team debutants Osvaldas Olisevicius and Edgaras Zukauskas were raining buckets. Bulgaria managed to cut their deficit to 11 points, going into the break (31-42).

Nevertheless, the second half belonged to Lithuania. Their lead reached 24 points in the third quarter (65-41) and Bulgaria's players were not able to come back within fighting distance.

Osvaldas Olisevicius was perfect for the hosts, accumulating 20 points (1/1 2PT, 6/8 3PT), 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 2 steals, and 29 PIR.

Pavlin Ivanov was a bright spot for Bulgaria, posting 20 points (2/4 2PT, 5/9 3PT, 1/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 1 steal, and 17 PIR.

Lithuania: Osvaldas Olisevicius 20 (9 REB), Gytis Masiulis 10, Laurynas Birutis 10, Eigirdas Zukauskas 9.

Bulgaria: Pavlin Ivanov 20 (4 REB), Ventsislav Petkov 9 (4 AST), Chavdar Kostov 7.

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