By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Georgia didn’t make it against Lithuania but Igor Kokoskov feels proud of his players who fought hard against Lithuania in the game in the “Round of 16”.
Goergia’s coach, Igor Kokoskov mentioned after Georgia’s elimination: “It was an emotional game. We came prepared and ready to play. We competed and we tried, but it wasn’t enough. He had a monster game. He hurt us. There were a couple of stretches that hurt us, turning the ball over. Against this team you cannot afford those mental slip-ups. They are experienced, they know how to close the game. They are more physical. I want to think the Georgian team for what they did this summer. I’m proud of these guys. They competed. They need to grow as a team and as a federation. This game will hurt a long time”.
Tornike Shengelia on his side added: “Congratulations to Lithuania. They did a good job. It hurts a lot. We came this far together. We put in a lot of work together. When we look back I think we deserve to be here. I think we deserve to be in the next round too. But it’s a game and they did the small things better. Personally I fouled out and I don’t think I helped the team all the way”.
Lithuania’s coach, Jonas Kazlauskas said: “It was a very tough and physical game, a lot of physical contact. We didn’t start well. Jonas (Valanciunas) was sick a couple days and he didn’t have the energy. In the second half we found our rhythm and won the game”.
Paulius Jankunas was the next one after Maciulis for Lithuania in scoring
It was a really tough game, a really physical game. We are happy that we won this game. It’s a big victory for Lithuania. We are really happy right now but we have to
prepare for the next round.