Despite pulling one of the most significant wins of this year’s FIBA World Cup, Lithuania is maintaining its steadiness and focus to catch the biggest prize.
Shortly after the Baltic Giants dented the United States’ record to leave the World Cup’s Group Phase play, head coach Kazys Maksvytis made it known that his message of reminder is clear and simple within his jubilated Lithuanian camp.
“In the locker room, I said to my guys to celebrate shortly. Save all the energy and emotions also for the upcoming game. It’s a very regard to everyone that we won the biggest win of our careers, but we don’t have time to celebrate this because Serbia is waiting [at the quarterfinals],” said Maksvytis after his national troops drew a massive 110-104 victory against the Americans.
After a perfect exhibition run and four official tournament wins, the invincible Team USA suddenly found its biggest obstacle on Sunday as they encountered the Green Death to cap off their second-round activity. Without hesitancy, Lithuania blew past the United States using their sharpshooting and imposing size which allowed them to post by as much as 21 huge points of deficit at the first-half.
Guided by ace cager Anthony Edwards, the Americans suddenly found rejuvenation as the clock hitted the second-half, but the Lithuanians withstood this aggressive drumming and were able to hold their momentum until the final buzzer.
Vaidas Kariniauskas also shared the same sentiments to his head coach while also noting that their historic triumph over the United States nearly 20 years ago doesn’t make any significance to their recent newfound success.
Back in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Lithuania also managed to deliver an upset over the Tim Duncan-led United States at their Group Phase play via 94-90 victory. The loss initially revealed the lapses of the said group which eventually landed them a disappointing bronze medal finish at the conclusion of the tourney.
“It’s very important. It’s important to our country to win against USA. It happened 19 years ago. I was watching that game maybe 20 or 25 times. And we’ve did it, so It’s crazy, but we have to chill,” Kariniauskas said, who starred for the Lithuanians with 15 markers and four boards.
The Baltics Giants can only hope that they can bring their confidence on Wednesday as they face Bogdan Bogdanovic and Serbia at the quarterfinal round of the World Cup.
