2019-09-01T15:12:40+00:00

2019-09-01T15:12:40+00:00

2019-09-01T15:41:59+00:00.

By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net

Lithuania kicked off its FIBA World Cup journey with lots of energy and speed, grabbing their biggest win ever in the tournament with 101-47 against Senegal, in the second game of the game for Group H in the city of Dongguan.

Jonas Valanciunas dominated the paint, pacing Lithuania with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Mantas Kalnietis and Domantas Sabonis stepped up with 13 points apiece. Of course, this broad win is a result of teamwork, as 11 of Lithuania’s 12 players scored.

“I don’t think it was an easy game. Our concentration and mental state made it easier. We were motivated and that gave us the advantage”, commented Kalnietis.

With plenty of fans cheering for Lietuva, the team had no difficulty with implementing its fast-paced game, starting off the contest with a 27-10 advantage in the first period. Defense played a key part in the second, as Senegal couldn’t find their way to the basket, as the first half ended 48-21.

The deficit kept rising (up to 47 points, 73-26) and no vital sign by Senegal was in sight. The team finished the third period with just 1/19 from the three-point line, roughly 5%.

“It was a tough game for us, losing by so many points, but we have 3 or 4 games ahead, so we will put this behind and we’re gonna get better in the next one”, said Youssoupha Ndoye.

Senegal (0-1) will try to bounce back when they meet Australia (1-0) on Tuesday, while Lithuania (1-0) will face a great challenge against feisty Canada (0-1).

Photo credit: FIBA.basketball

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