By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Greece prevailed 77-64 over Lithuania, a morale-boosting win that led Missas’ squad to the quarterfinals.
The star: Kostas Sloukas executed the Lithuanian defense and finished the game with 21 points.
Turning point: The tempo was in Greece’s favor in the first quarter. Αt 9′, a goal foul by Nikos Pappas sent the deficit to 11 points, 14-25. With great defense from the Greek side, the opposing squad stayed at 3 points scored 3 minutes in the second quarter, yet with a quick run approached to 23-28 at 16′. At halftime, Greece stayed up with 30-37.
Three 3-pointers by Sloukas gave Greece a double-digit advantage again, 36-50, which they had established after 30 minutes, 46-61. Once again though, Adomaitis’ squad fought back to reduce the score to 63-57.
Key players: Nick Calathes was decisive in the first half, while he tapped 14 points overall, along with 6 assists.
For Lithuania, Jonas Valanciunas scored 13 points, Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 20, while Kalnietis had 11.
(Photo: FIBA)