By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Italy secured a thrilling 87–84 victory over Lithuania on Sunday in Bologna, powered by a late 11-0 run and consecutive clutch plays from Nico Mannion.
The 25-year-old point guard and newcomer at Roma SPQR put in 27 points and drilled four three-pointers, including a crucial go-ahead shot from deep with only 35 seconds remaining on the clock.
Despite squandering a double-digit lead earlier, the home side rallied after falling behind by eight points with just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter.
On the losing side, Azuolas Tubelis registered a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while NBA talents Kasparas Jakucionis and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 10 and nine points, respectively, with Matas Buzelis held to six.
Both nations had already clinched a spot in the final round of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, but this outcome elevates Italy to a 5-1 record while dropping Lithuania to 3-3.
In the earlier Group D finale, Iceland overcame an 11-point deficit in Manchester to edge out Great Britain 88–86. Jon Axel Gudmundsson spearheaded the comeback with 25 points, securing third place for his country and eliminating the hosts.
The three progressing nations, Italy, Lithuania, and Iceland, will carry their W-L records into Group J, where a six-game schedule against Turkiye, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina awaits in late August. This upcoming phase will determine which three programs earn a ticket to the tournament’s final stage in Qatar next summer.
Meanwhile, Great Britain is forced to shift focus toward the EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers.
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