(Linas Kleiza, Lithuania)
TEAM OF THE DAY: Lithuania
Ranked 6th in the world in 2009.
One day after Serbia did the impossible, eliminating 2006 FIBA champs Spain, Lithuania provided another surprise by knocking out 1st ranked Argentina, beating them by 19 points. I personally did not watch the game but, while going over the box scores, seeing 7 Lithuania players scoring in double digits versus Argentina's 3 players in double digits, the final results made perfect sense. I had mentioned in an earlier post that if Argentina's Luis Scola and Carlos Delfino were the only 2 players to contribute, winning would become difficult as the tournament continued. My point was made clear as they combined for 28 points, with M. Mata being the only other player with more than 10 points. scoring 11.
Lithuania now faces the US in what is sure to be nothing short of a spectacular Semi-finals match up. I am officially done predicting winners for this tournament. This is basketball, and in this beautiful game of momentum and runs, Lithuania has proved once again, that anything is possible.
SCORES
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Lithuania 104 Argentina 85
USA 89 Russia 79
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