BANGKOK (World University Games Men) - Lithuania claimed gold in the World University Games after staging a remarkable comeback to beat Serbia 85-66 in the final.

Rolandas Alijevas top scored for the champions with 19 points and five rebounds but was well supported by Steponas Babrauskas, who put up 17 points, and

Jonas Maciulis, who notched 18 points and an impressive 11 rebounds.

The match was even in the early stages but Serbia were the first side to settle and outscored their opponents 17-7 towards the end of the first quarter to hold a 12 point lead.

That lead was stretched to 16 by midway through the second but Lithuania went on a 12 point scoring run to cut the deficit and the scores were back level at 42-42 at the halfway stage.

The Lithuanians claimed the third period 19-14 leaving all to play for in the final quarter, but the Serbs ran out of steam as Midaugas Lukosius` men cantered to victory taking the last quarter 24-10.

Meanwhile in the bronze medal game, Canada had to stage a comeback of their own to beat Japan 90-84 with Tristan Blackwood top scoring on 18 points.

Japan held a 31-15 lead at the end of the first quarter and despite fighting back in the second, Canada still trailed by 10 points at the halfway stage.

The lead was 13 early in the third session but a Canadian run of 17 points without reply helped give them take the lead going into the last period, which they claimed 25-20 to wrap up victory.

Matt Hardisty
FIBA