Lithuania shocks Team USA, hands them first loss in World Cup / News - Basketnews.com

Lithuania went on a crazy shooting spree in the first half, and Team USA couldn't battle back. It was only Lithuania's third win over Team USA in history.

Credit: Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS Credit Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS

Lithuania dominated in the first half and shocked Team USA en route to a 110-104 (31-12, 23-25, 17-28, 39-39) win.

Player of the Game EFF 16 Vaidas Kariniauskas Points 15 Accuracy 5-7 Rebounds 4 Assists 2

Lithuania got off to an electric start, making their first nine three-pointers. Team USA scored just 12 points in the first quarter and was already facing a 19-point deficit after the first 10 minutes.

Even though Lithuania led by 17 points after the first half, Team USA started the second half with a 9-0 run to cut their deficit to eight (46-54). Despite facing difficulties in scoring, Lithuania continued to maintain a safe distance from the favorites.

Throughout the fourth quarter, all of Team USA's attempts to come back were unsuccessful. With four minutes left, Mindaugas Kuzminskas hit a crazy three-pointer, and the favorites could not overcome the deficit.

Mikal Bridges had an open three-pointer attempt with 12 seconds to go while down by 4, but he missed it, and Tomas Dimsa finished the fast break with a dunk.

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It was only Lithuania's third win over Team USA since the small Baltic country gained independence in 1990.

Unlikely hero Vaidas Kariniauskas, who plays for a small town of Mazeikiai in the Lithuanian League, led Lithuania in scoring with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Kuzminskas scored 14, Tadas Sedekerskis added a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas registered 12 points and 7 rebounds.

Anthony Edwards was the game's leading scorer with 35 points (14/25 FG, 5/12 3PT). Bridges added 14, and Jalen Brunson registered 14 points and 7 assists.

With the loss, Team USA will face off against Italy in the 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinal, while Lithuania will battle against Serbia.

Full game highlights:

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