With QF slot booked, Lithuania looks forward to face-off with USA

From finishing ninth in the 2019 edition of the World Cup, Lithuania on Friday was already assured of a better finish in the 2023 FIBA World Cup following a 92-67 pounding of Greece in Group J's second round action.

“The country likes basketball and people are waiting for medals and better results. And I hope this year will be different,” Lithuania head coach Kazys Maksvytis shared.

However, it wasn’t a cruise like their previous games, and the final score certainly doesn’t indicate the battle that transpired between the two proud European nations.

The Greek squad came out with a booming start and led by as many as eight points late in the second quarter. Lithuania kept it close and shaved the deficit to four at halftime.

Come second half, however, it was a totally different story.

The guys in white and green looked revitalized as they came out with oozing energy that allowed them to overtake their opponents and establish a sizeable lead.

“We’re always gonna fight back, find some extra motivation and energy to go out there and give everything on the court," Lithuania captain Jonas Valanciunas said about their big second half.

"We’re not gonna give up in 2nd, 3rd, and start of the 4th quarter. We’re gonna finish whole quarters,” he added.

Ignas Brazdeikis, who had his best scoring output of the tournament after finishing with 18 points on a perfect shooting night from the field, said his team had the same goal in the game.

“First half, we started a little bit slow. We didn’t play as aggressive as we typically do, especially defensively. But then, coming into the second half, I think we had the same goal, same plan. To come out aggressive and execute the gameplan,” said Brazdeikis.

It was the perfect way to launch the team to the top eight, but the road only gets tougher from here.

Ahead is a highly anticipated matchup with fellow undefeated squad Team USA.

Even when both teams are already assured of a seat in the next round, the teams are expected to go all out to build on their momentum.

When asked about the imminent clash, Valanciunas and Brazdeikis had somewhat similar thoughts.

“I’m looking forward to any matchup. Every team is tough team to play against. We go with the mindset to be the best version of ourselves,” said Valanciunas.

“I think it’s gonna be an exciting challenge for us, for sure. Like you said, there’s no easy game. This game right here, we had to put our 100% to win this game. And we’re gonna do the same going into this next game. We’re not gonna take anything for granted. We’re gonna play everything as hard as we can so regardless of the team, we’re gonna play the same way,” echoed Brazdeikis.

For Maksvytis, he acknowledged the opportunity to go up against one of the best in the world.

“Of course we’re waiting. It’s a good possibility to challenge the best coach and best players in the world. And we’re happy. We’re ready to play with them.”

Undefeated, unblemished and, united, Lithuania is looking forward to take on Team USA on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News