COLOGNE (Germany) - Lithuania showed what they are made of by defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 87-70 to secure a spot in the Round of 16 at the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 and avoiding a national nightmare.

The three-time continental champions Lietuva  had never been eliminated at the initial stage of a EuroBasket. Their star duo of Jonas Valanciunas and Domantas Sabonis made sure no history would be made in Cologne, combining for 25 points, 21 rebounds, 9 assists against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 
Turning Point: Lithuania led for most of the first quarter but were only up 38-36 when the Baltic powerhouse mounted an 18-5 run for a 15-point lead late in the first half. Lithuania increased the advantage to 22 points midway through the third quarter, and Bosnia and Herzegovina could never muster a challenge, getting only within 11 points. Arnas Butkevicius delivered the knockout punch with a three-pointer to make it 84-70 inside the final two minutes.

TCL Player of the Game: Valanciunas was a problem whenever he was on the court as he collected 13 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks in 33 minutes. 

Stats Don't Lie: Lithuania shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range. But they also patrolled the paint with a 40 to 26 rebounding margin, leading to a 19 to 3 advantage in second chance points. 

Bottom Line:  Lithuania will finish fourth in Group B and will head to Berlin with a Round of 16 date against Group A winners Spain. Bosnia and Herzegovina on the other hand exit the tournament despite two victories, missing their chance to advance out of the first stage for the first time since 1993.

They Said: "Big time relieved. We're onto the next phase. The championship starts now again, fresh. It’s win or go home every game." - Domantas Sabonis, Lithuania

"It's a blessing to get through the Group of Death. To make it through is definitely special, especially after starting 0-3. Just happy to be here now." - Ignas Brazdeikis, Lithuania

"We did our job, what we were supposed to do. We still have battles ahead and we have a few days to prepare for that." - Marius Grigonis, Lithuania

"Lithuania played better than us today and they deserved to win. I cannot say that I am not proud of my guys, coaching staff, coach. We fought a lot this month and a half we were together. We fought until the game. I am very proud of everybody, our fans, players, everybody. I am just happy to be part of them and I am very humbled." - Dzanan Musa, Bosnia and Herzegovina

"I am so sad that we are not going to Berlin but Lithuania really played better than us. This is the first time in these five games that I feel we lost the game. The other games we lost I felt that we could have won. That's the reason I am sad." - Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Aziz Bekir

"It's a little disappointing right now. Fatigue hit us. We didn't have the legs and kind of ran out of gas. But I'm proud of the guys for fighting until the end." - John Roberson, Bosnia and Herzegovina

 
FIBA