Lithuania overcame a tough challenge to defeat Ivory Coast 97:93 in the Olympic Games qualification tournament.
In the first round, Lithuania comfortably defeated Mexico by a double-digit margin, making it clear that anything other than a convincing loss would be sufficient for Kazys Maksvytis‘ team in this game.
Lithuania started the game much more decisively, appearing much more organized on the court, and after the first ten minutes, they had a 24:18 lead. The African team managed to balance the game in the second quarter, even winning it by a narrow margin, so the halftime score was 47:42 in favor of Lithuania.
The third quarter exposed many weaknesses of the Baltic country. Ivory Coast won that part of the game 30:18, taking the lead before the final quarter.
However, Lithuania managed to find the right response, primarily thanks to Domantas Sabonis, who played an excellent game. Lithuania’s offense clicked, they won the fourth quarter 32:21, and eventually secured a hard-fought win.
Domantas Sabonis was the best in his team with 22 points and nine rebounds, followed by Marius Grigonis with 18 points and seven assists. Lukas Lekavicius scored 13 points, and Edgaras Ulanovas added 10.
In the losing team, Deon Thompson stood out with 18 points, with significant help from Jean-Philippe Dally, who added 15.
With this win, Lithuania secured first place and a spot in the semifinals, while Ivory Coast and Mexico will face each other in a direct duel to determine the other semifinalist.
Lukas Lekavicius banks it to give Lithuania the lead! 🔥 #FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/nZdNUYzfdq
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 3, 2024