C’mon Aussies, c’mon!

There would be seven remaining players from the two nation’s previous meeting in the Beijing Olympics, a final group match which would also see Australia victorious 106:75.

Lithuanians Jonas Mačiulis, Simas Jasaitis and the Lavrinovič twins would seek redemption, again facing Brad Newley, Dave Anderson and Joe Ingles; an under strengthen trio in the absence of Andrew Bogut and Paddy Mills.

The opening passage of play would see Donatas Motiejūnas keep his nation in the game however his opponent, and recent NBA draftee, Aaron Baynes would stand taller; scoring ten of his 14 points in the opening quarter.

Lithuania would trail the Aussies 47:28 at half time thanks to a late Joe Ingles three point shot while Jonas Valančiūnas would be held scoreless by Anderson; an Australian of Danish descent.

The accuracy of the Kšyštof Lavrinovič, who led the scoring for Lithuania against Australia in 2008, saw his side score 11 consecutive points half way through the third term.

Australia’s lead was then decreased to 62:59 at the start of the final term thanks to the positioning of Lithuania’s leaders Paulius Jankūnas and Renaldas Seibutis; enabling an impressive Mačiulis three point shot.

Seibutis would keep pushing right until the end however it was Newley’s accuracy late in the game from the free throw line which would enable the Boomers a victory 82:75 victory.
Newley, who had scored 16 points against Lithuania in 2008, spent two seasons with LKL side Lietuvos Rytas from 2010-12.

Simas Jasaitis would be unable to score for a second consecutive match, a disappointing statistic from the 32-year-old.

Lithuania has now dropped from first to second to third on the group table after Slovenia advanced to the knock-out stage thanks to an 89:72 win over South Korea.

Meanwhile Mexico would defeat Angola 79:55 to claim its first win of the tournament, leapfrogging the African nation to fourth on the table thanks to a 24-point contribution from Héctor Hernández.
Lithuania will now face off against South Korea, a nation which hasn’t won a FIBA World Cup match since August 14, 1994 (76:69 against Egypt).

Lithuania’s Stats:

Most points:

Renaldas Seibutis (21), Darjuš Lavrinovič (14), Paulius Jankūnas (9), Kšyštof Lavrinovič (8).

Most rebounds:

Jonas Valančiūnas (6), Kšyštof Lavrinovič (4).

Most assists:

Renaldas Seibutis (3).

Team Comparisons:

Biggest lead:

Lithuania 0
Australia 19

3 points FG:

Lithuania 31.2%
Australia 50%

2 points FG:

Lithuania 60.6%
Australia 46%

Free Throws:

Lithuania 90.9%
Australia 68.2%

Blocks:

Lithuania 3
Australia 0

Turnovers:

Lithuania 22
Australia 14

Steals:

Lithuania 4
Australia 9