Lithuania secured its ticket to the next round after a commanding performance against Mexico, finishing with a resounding 96-66 victory in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday.
With this victory for Lietuva, Montenegro has also secured a place in the second round.
The Lithuanians and the Montenegrins will compete for the top seed in Group D on Tuesday.
“It was a good game from our side. We controlled the entire game, and this performance was much improved compared to our first game. I hope this positive energy and good spirits will continue in the next round,” said head coach Kazys Maksvytis.
Ranked 8th, Lithuania wasted little time in establishing a comfortable lead, thanks to a rapid start that propelled them to a 32-17 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
Lietuva’s offense was well-distributed, with nine of their players contributing at least five points. They were led by Rokas Jokubaitis and Jonas Valanciunas, who each scored 15 points.
Jokubaitis also recorded seven assists. Meanwhile, Valanciunas secured 12 rebounds, marking his seventh double-double in his World Cup career.
Former NBA players also excelled, with Mindaugas Kuzminskas tallying 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and a block. Additionally, Donatas Motiejunas and Ignas Brazdeikis each contributed 10 points.
Gabriel Giron led the way for Mexico, ranked 31st, with 13 points, while Pako Cruz, Orlando Mendez, and Israel Gutierrez each registered 10 points.
The 12 Guerreros will face off against fellow winless team Egypt on Tuesday, concluding their first-round schedule.
The Scores:
Lithuania 96 – Jokubaitis 15, Valanciunas 15, Kuzminskas 14, Brazdeikis 10, Motiejunas 10, Bendzius 7, Dimsa 7, Sedekerskis 7, Kariniauskas 6, Sirvydis 3, Maldunas 2, Normantas 0.
Mexico 66 – Giron 13, Cruz 10, I. Gutierrez 10, Mendez 10, Ibarra 9, Bonilla 8, J. Gutierrez 4, Jaimes 2, Stoll 0, Camacho 0, Andriassi 0.
Quarterscores: 32-17, 53-34, 76-51, 96-66.
