Lithuania secure victory in first qualifying game vs. Venezuela / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: BNS Credit BNS

Lithuania (1-0) started their journey toward the Tokyo Olympics with a win over Venezuela (0-1) 76-65 (11-10; 25-18; 19-16; 21-21). And Lithuania's NBA talents were instrumental to their victory.

Player of the Game EFF 28 Jonas Valančiūnas Points 20 Accuracy 8-9 Rebounds 11 Assists 0

The tension in the air was apparent during the first quarter. With home fans cheering for the host Lithuania, the team won the first period by one point (11-10).

The team was more efficient in the second and had an 8-point lead going into the half (36-28). Venezuela's deficit increased by three points after the third (55-44).

Lithuania maintained their lead over the last quarter and won it in front of their home crowd. Neither team shot well from 3-point range: Lithuania made 7 of 24 from long range (29.2%), while Venezuela went 9 for 27 (33.3%).

Jonas Valanciunas lead all scorers with 20 points. He also snagged 11 boards. Behind him, the top Lithuanian scorers were Mantas Kalnietis (12 points, four assists) and Domantas Sabonis (12 points, eight rebounds).

At the opposite side of the court, only David Cubillian scored in double-digits, collecting 11 points.

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Lithuania: will play South Korea on July 1.

Venezuela: will play South Korea on Wednesday.

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