Lithuania celebrates after beating Greece in the Fiba World Cup second round. FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-Lithuania secured its place in the quarterfinals ahead of the big game against the United States after a 92-67 win over Greece on Friday in the Fiba World Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.
NBA draft pick Rokas Jokubaitis and Ignas Brazdeikis were among those who helped the Lithuanians pull away in the second half and remain unbeaten in the tournament with their fourth victory in as many games.
The result assured Lithuania a spot in the knockout stage, but will first play Team USA on Sunday for the right to become the top team in Group J and maybe an easier path to the final.
Team USA is also 4-0 following its scary 85-73 win over Montenegro in the earlier game at the Pasay City venue.
Lithuania crowd cheers after the win over Greece in the Fiba World Cup second round. FIBA PHOTO
Jokubaitis continued to excel on the world stage, posting 19 points, six assists and three steals while Brazdeikis scored 18 for Lithuania.
NBA player Jonas Valanciunas posted 15 points and nine rebounds for Lithuania.
Greece was eliminated from quarterfinal contention after going down 3-2 in the group, ending a campaign that missed NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Thomas Walkup, a naturalized player from the United States, had 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Greece.