By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Without Domantas Sabonis in the lineup, Lithuania continued preparations for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in San Juan with a 92-86 victory versus Slovenia in Twinsbet Arena on Sunday.
The Sacramento Kings leader is expected to resume international duties over the next few days. Among teammates covering his absence, Marius Grigonis recorded a team-high 17 points. Deividas Sirvydis with 13 points, Azuolas Tubelis with 12 points, and Tadas Sedekerskis with 11 points were the remaining double-digit scorers for the team coached by Kazys Maksvytis.
Waiting for a decision on a potential boost by Luka Doncic heading to the OQT in Piraeus, Slovenia featured naturalized Josh Nebo in Vilnius, in his first appearance with the national team. He ended up with nine points and eight rebounds over 21 minutes.
In his first game since hurting his left knee last summer with Slovenia and missing the entire 2023-24 season in the NBA, Vlatko Cancar of the Denver Nuggets tallied six points and five rebounds in 15 minutes.
With a late comeback falling short, Aleksej Nikolic went for 19 points in the first prep game for the team coached by Aleksander Sekulic. Zoran Dragic and Klemen Prepelic produced 18 points apiece.
Winning debut for Italy
More action in Trento’s Il T Quotidiano Arena with Italy shaking off a slow start to defeat Georgia, 79-68.
In the first prep game en route to the OQT in San Juan, 35-year-old Danilo Gallinari piled up 13 points with 2/3 field goals and 9/10 free throws for the team guided by Gianmarco Pozzecco. Achille Polonara added 12 points and seven rebounds. Stefano Tonut tallied 11 points. Captain Nicolo Melli chipped in nine points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals, and one block.
In a friendly debut for Georgia as well, Tornike Shengelia went for 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Goga Bitadze posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. The team coached by Aleksandar Dzikic is heading to the OQT in Riga.
Zubac lifts Croatia with a double-double
Starting a friendly tournament in Opatija on the way to the OQT in Piraeus, Croatia prevailed, 82-68, over Poland.
The top performer for the team coached by Josip Sesar, Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac posted a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double. Mario Hezonja followed with 15 points and captain Dario Saric had ten points. Borna Kapusta added nine points and six assists.
For the losing side, Jeremy Sochan did not play in Marino Cvetkovic Sports Hall. Michal Michalak logged 15 points and Olek Balcerowski tallied 13 points. The team guided by Igor Milicic is set to participate in the Valencia OQT.
Completing the tournament in Croatia as the third team in play, Brazil faces Poland on Monday and the hosts on Wednesday.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL