LONDON (Great Britain) - Ignas Sargiunas just became an instant legend in Lithuanian basketball.
Sargiunas somehow saved his country from a historic defeat with three three-pointers in the final 9.9 seconds - including a long heave at the buzzer - in an improbable 89-88 win to start the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
Sargiunas finished the game with 27 points and created one of those instant classic moments in world basketball along with likes of Reggie Miller and Tracy McGrady.
With Great Britain primed to beat Lithuania for the first time ever, Sargiunas truly never gave up. His first triple came with 9.9 seconds left and his team down 87-80. After Great Britain only split two free throws, Sargiunas nailed another long ball and Lithuania were down 88-86 with 3.5 seconds to go.
After a timeout, Carl Wheatle threw away the inbounds pass, with Sargiunas getting the steal and dribbling up the left wing and heaving the prayer.
It was answered - sending Lietuva and their fans into ecstasy while Great Britain fans were left wondering what could have been.
FIBA