LTU - Sireika keeping cool despite Lithuania success

STRASBOURG (FIBA World Championship) - Lithuania coach Antanas Sireika has refused to get carried away after his side were convincing winners over China in a FIBA World Championship preparation tournament in Strasbourg.

The 2003 Eurobasket champions are competing in the Alsatian city for three days and face France, Senegal and China in a bid to brush up their skills ahead of the competition, which will tip off in Japan on August 19.

The Lithuanians cleared the first hurdle on Friday in the Rhenus Sport arena as they beat 2005 Asian champions China 96-75, but Sireika is keeping his feet on the ground.

"I am happy with the performance and the aim here is of course to win the tournament," said Sireika.

"But we must also keep in mind that this is a preparation tournament and that we have to use it to figure out our game and defence."

Lithuania won three consecutive bronze medals between 1992 and 2000 in the Olympic Games but have never shone in the FIBA World Championship.

Next month they will be in Group C along with Australia, Brazil, Eurobasket 2005 finalists Greece, Qatar and Turkey.

"It's still too early to say anything about our potential and our aims in the competition," added Sireika.

"All I can say is that we will do our best."

The current squad is far different from the one who snatched gold at the 2003 European event.

Sireika has had to rebuild a competitive side with Denver Nuggets forward Linas Kleiza being one of its most promising talents.

The 21-year-old made his international debut against China and scored 18 points while his compatriot Ksystof Lavrinovic poured in 19.

"It was my first time with the national team and it felt good," said Kleiza.

"I am happy with what I have done.

"It's good to play in an international tournament like this one because it helps us get better as a team ahead of the World Championship."

Lithuania now face a tough test on Saturday evening as they meet crowd favourites France, who won bronze at Eurobasket 2005.

The Baltic outfit will, however, be without NBA players point guard Arvydas Macijauskas and centre Darius Songaila, who have both been rested by Sireika.

By Isabelle Rondeau, PA Sport, Strasbourg