Marčiulionis Works Overtime in Tubelis’ Place: Lithuania Needed This Win in Every Way

Lithuania needed a response after its heavy defeat in Turkey, and it found one in Vilnius. The national team beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 78-73 on Monday to claim its fourth win in Group J of World Cup qualifying.

Augustas Marčiulionis stepped in for Ąžuolas Tubelis at the post-match news conference after Tubelis, who scored 23 points, did not appear. Marčiulionis had already spoken to reporters and then found himself taking part in the conference as well.

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There was energy and a desire to play as a team. There were waves, but we played as a team and had good energy.

On court, Marčiulionis added 16 points and five assists. Lithuania trailed for much of the opening half and Bosnia led 46-42 around halftime. The hosts changed the game after the break, tightening their defense and conceding only 27 points in the second half.

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Somewhat, the result in Turkey hurt our pride. We are not the kind of team that should lose to Turkey by 30 points.

“Somewhat, the result in Turkey hurt our pride. We are not the kind of team that should lose to Turkey by 30 points,” Marčiulionis said. Lithuania had lost 94-66 in Turkey on Friday. He said the team brought its sporting anger into the next game.

The guard described the win as necessary for the players, the team and the standings, but said he could not yet judge the qualifying window as either positive or negative. Lithuania’s next window runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1, with Serbia visiting Lithuania and an away game against Bosnia. Qualifying ends in early March.

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We needed this win. The players needed it, the national team needed it, and we needed it for the standings as well. In every way, it was a necessary win.