HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) – Argentina had a very last chance to send this game into overtime with 8.6 seconds left on the clock, but the shot did not fall down, as Lithuania prevailed 74-71. Win it or lose it, the actual outcome of the game had no effect on the final rankings in group A. Lthuania got the second placed secured, thanks to a better record than China in a win, or owning the tie-breaker in a loss. Nonetheless Argentina and Lithuania challenged each other until the very end of this matchup.

Neither team was able to spread a lead to double digits. Lithuania struggle shooting the ball from the field, Argentina fought its way to the basket numerous times, but could not finish strong. Thus things went back and forth, with Lithuania ahead for most of the time. Due to tactical fouls the southern Americans cut the defeicit to two in the last minute of regulation, before Lithuania connected for 1-of-2 from the free point line – leaving no other option for Enrique Tolcachier and his team than going for the triple.

Quotes

Egidijus Zenevicius, Lithuania assistant coach:, Lithuania head coach: “We are really happy to be going into the second round after finishing this group stage. These two last games were very hard, the guys are feeling very tired. The Argentina team is very strong and this was a good opportunity to play a good game of basketball”

Enrique Tolcachier: “We fought well and it was a close game. They shot well in the end when it mattered. They made the baskets that we missed.”

Simonas Kymantas, Lithuania number 14“The game was hard, but were concentrated well, we fought well and we won the battle. They had good fast breaks, which we managed to stop in the second half.”

FIBA / JB