OQTM - Lithuania power their way to London

CARCAS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Lithuania kept their unbroken streak of Olympic appearances alive with a dominant 109-83 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Jonas Maciulis stepped up when it mattered with 19 points, while Jonas Valanciunas (17 points), Linas Kleiza (13), Martynas Pocius (12) and Tomas Delininkaitis (11) all scored in double figures as part of a well-oiled offensive machine.

For the Dominican Republic, Jack-Michael Martinez (13 points, 10 rebounds), Al Horford (12), Francisco Garcia (11) and Juan Coronado (10) all contributed on the scoreboard for a team that lacked defensive punch.

The Dominicans made the running in the first quarter, leading both the offensive rebounding and assist counts by five to two, but their woeful 7-of-21 conversion of mostly open shots afforded Lithuania a 21-16 quarter-time lead.

Their wasted chances came back to haunt them as Lithuania went on a second-quarter scoring binge.

They nailed 31 points on 9-of-13 from the field to take a 16-point half-time lead, Maciulis the chief destroyer with 12 points at 71%, while Mantas Kalnietis (9 assists) was creating havoc with his playmaking.

The Americans had no answer for Lithuania's simple but effective pick-and-roll execution, and though they cut the margin from 20 midway through the third period to 14 at three-quarter time, the Green Machine were able to produce baskets whenever they needed them.

Tempers flared in the final term but it was much ado about nothing as Lithuania cruised to their easy 26-point victory.

The Dominican Republic now play Nigeria on Sunday for the final place at the London Olympics.

FIBA