RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Lithuania nearly blew a 30-point lead against Brazil but the hosts' second-half comeback attempt came up just short as the Europeans came away with an 82-76 win in a raucous Carioca Arena 1 on Sunday.

Turning point: After trailing 27-17 at the end of the first quarter and 58-29 at halftime, Brazil put together an impressive comeback after the break to get within 75-71 on a basket by Leandro Barbosa. Lithuania were in trouble but Renaldas Seibutis fed Domas Sabonis in the low post and he scored while drawing a foul on the play with 1:19 left to play. He made the free-throw for a 78-71 cushion and Lithuania held on for the win.

Stats Don't Lie: A memorable win might have been on the cards for Brazil had it not been for the fact that they shot just 2-of-14 three-point attempts and went 22-of-35 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Lithuania hit on 9-of-24 attempts from beyond the arc and knocked down 15-of-18 foul shots.  

Hero: Leandro Barbosa and Mantas Kalnietis, in equal measure, are deserving of getting the nod here. The former had a game-high 21 points and made a lot of plays to help Brazil get back into the game, while the latter scored 16 points, handed out 8 assists and most importantly iced the win with clutch free-throws at the end.

The Bottom Line: It's a bit cliche but this really was a game of two halves and there is a lot for both teams to take away - both good and bad - before their next games. It doesn't get any easier for either as, after a day's rest, Brazil take on EuroBasket 2015 champions Spain and Lithuania face AfroBasket 2015 winners Nigeria.

FIBA