Fiba World Cup: Lithuania routs Egypt to kick off campaign

Lithuania after its game in the Fiba World Cup at Mall of Asia Arena. –FIBA BASKETBALL

Lithuania stamped its mark on Egypt with a 93-67 victory to open its campaign in Group D of the Fiba World Cup on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The European side controlled the game for most of the way, but it wasn’t until the fourth quarter when the Lithuanians extended the margin on the way to sharing the early group lead with Montenegro.

Margiris Normantas topscored for Lithuania with 18 points while New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas had 15 points and 10 rebounds.

“It was a very important win for us for the first game tournament because we need to gain our confidence,” said Normantas.

Next up for Lithuania is Sunday against Mexico, which fell 91-71 to Montenegro in the first-ever game inside the site of the tournament’s final game.

Festive Lithuanian fans, wearing Grateful Dead-themed shirts, made sure the atmosphere would turn the Pasay City venue into a Eurobasket-like feel.

Egypt, back on the world stage after missing the 2019 edition, never got to taste a lead as Lithuania surged to a 22-9 start.

Assem Marei scored 14 points but Egypt lost for its sixth straight World Cup game dating back to 1994 in Canada.