RUS - Trushkin: "I want to say thanks to Argentina"

RIGA (2011 FIBA U19 World Championship) - With USA leading by a point and with momentum in their favor, Russia needed someone to switch the game back in their favor. Step up Vladislav Trushkin.

FIBA: Russia has so far been struggling in this tournament. What changed for you and also your team out there tonight?

Trushkin: Every game is a new game with a new opponent. Our objective today was to win the battle of rebounds and to play aggressive. We did not allow them to score easy points. We were better motivated and we did not want to lose. We fought till the end and that's why we were better tonight. I made those three pointers thanks to my team mates. They trusted me and I made those shots. It was a combination of both - good fortune and good work. Also, I want to say thanks to Argentina. Thanks to them we are in the quarterfinals.

FIBA: You will now come up against Lithuania in tomorrow's first semifinal. What do you need to do to overcome them?

Trushkin: Lithuania is a very strong team. The whole country loves basketball. Every child is born with a basketball in his or her hands. To win tomorrow we need to follow our game plan and

I think we will be able to do it. We need to stop Valanciunas and their outside shooting.

FIBA: What does this win mean back home in Russia?I know that all basketball

Trushkin: lovers in Russia are behind us. It's more important than news headlines or prime-time feature in TV.

FIBA