By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
It was supposed to be the European battle for the top of the group for 40 minutes, but instead, coach Kazys Maksvytis’ men held Montenegro to just 23 points in the second half to take a convincing 91-71 win for the Group D crown.
Having taken a perfect 3-0 record to the Second Round, Lithuania is now set to face the United States and the winner of Greece versus New Zealand, while Montenegro also advances but with a 2-1 record.
“We have players who wanna win, 12 guys that give all they got on the court. We know what we got in the locker room. Our job is not done. First place in the group is good but we have to continue winning games”, said Jonas Valanciunas.
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The big man from Lithuania added that it does not matter who the next opponent is, Greece or New Zealand.
“We have to play hard I don’t pick opponents. There are no weak teams in the World Cup. Everybody plays hard”, Valanciunas added.
Also, his reaction is priceless when asked if his NBA contract will be affected by his play in the World Cup with Lithuania since the Pelicans VP David Griffin and head coach Willie Green made the trip to the Philippines and attended the game against Montenegro.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL