Lithuania Suffers Late Collapse Against Italy in World Championship Qualifiers

The Lithuanian national basketball team experienced a devastating collapse in the final minutes, losing 84-87 to Italy in Bologna. This significant defeat concludes the first stage of their World Championship qualifiers, leaving them with three losses as they advance to the next round, severely hampering their qualification prospects.

Despite holding a commanding double-digit lead with only a few minutes remaining, Lithuania faltered. Italy capitalized on Lithuania's inability to use fouls strategically and scored on fast breaks, ultimately securing the victory. The loss means Lithuania enters the next stage facing strong opponents like Serbia, Turkey, and Bosnia, with only three teams from their new six-team group qualifying for the tournament.

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We just lost concentration. We hadn't reached the foul limit, we could have used fouls, and they ran into a fast break and scored points.

Star player Ąžuolas Tubelis delivered a stellar performance, scoring 25 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and achieving a game-high 31 efficiency rating. His efforts were recognized by fans who chanted his name, showing appreciation despite the painful outcome. However, Tubelis struggled to explain the team's late-game collapse, attributing it primarily to a loss of concentration.

"We just lost concentration. We hadn't reached the foul limit, we could have used fouls, and they ran into a fast break and scored points," Tubelis stated. Despite the grim situation, he remained resolute about the team's mental fortitude. "I am sure it will be written that we are out, it will be talked about in your podcasts that there will be no chances, because there are good teams there, but we are psychologically strong. We will lock ourselves in the locker room and try to show that you journalists are not right," he asserted.

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I am sure it will be written that we are out, your podcasts will talk about how there will be no chances, because there are good teams there, but we are psychologically strong. We will lock ourselves in the locker room and try to show that you journalists are not right.