By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
In the latest step toward the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Lithuania marched past Ukraine, 100-72, in Panevezys Saturday. Starting the fourth quarter with a 17-0 run made it a blowout.
Following three friendly wins without most of the players in action versus Ukraine, Donatas Motiejunas stood out among the new entries by returning to the national team after three years. Playing for his country’s national team for the first time since 2020, he put in nine points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal over 18 minutes.
Vaidas Kariniauskas punched in a game-high 18 points behind 6/10 field goals and dished out three assists. Team captain Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 16 points. Veteran Eimantas Bendzius went 4/6 from beyond the arc for 16 more points.
Despite the numerous fresh faces, Ignas Brazdeikis, Rokas Jokubaitis, and Jonas Valanciunas did not suit up. They are projected to get in the mix for head coach Kazys Maksvytis later.
For Ukraine, preparing for the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul, Oleksandr Kovliar scored 16 points.
Egypt edges out Georgia
After losing to China in Slovenia yesterday, Egypt bounced back with an 81-76 victory against Georgia behind closed doors in Treviso, Italy. All three teams are in the early stages of preparations, heading to the World Cup.
Jordan edged Ivory Coast 74-71 in the prep tournament which is held in Portugal. Bzai Sami was the top scorer of the winning side with 21 points, while Maxime Dadiet and Bazoumana Kone had 13 each for the losing side. Jordan led for most of the game, however, the end result was decided in the closing seconds after a very close second half.
In the earlier game, Travante Williams dropped 21 points as hosts Portugal beat Czechia, 91-79. Wrapping up the four-team tournament, Jordan will face Czechia tomorrow.
Αlso Angola beat Venezuela 66-61 in a game held in Spain.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL