Surprised from the start by the energetic play of Montenegro (17-14, min.6), Lithuania reversed the trend after losing the first quarter by one point (27-26).

With Rokas Jokubaitis (19 points) and Mindaugas Kuzminskas (15) as their main offensive weapons, Kazys Maksvytis’ side left the Montenegrin team no choice, closing the second period with a resounding 13-22 (40-48 , min 20).

Lithuania remained in control, silenced their rival’s attempts to react and rode to a solid victory with a 20-point gap, without hurting their rivals, who accompany them in the second round.

Canada confirms its forecast

Canada finished the first round of the 2023 Basketball World Cup undefeated and top of Group H on Tuesday after a hard-fought 101-75 victory over Latvia in which Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone again, with 27 points.

Despite the loss, Latvia also qualified for the second round of the World Cup. Canada and Latvia will now meet the top two teams in Group G in which Spain are already seeded and it remains to be seen who will fill the other spot, Brazil or Ivory Coast.

It’s the first time Canada has finished the first round of a World Cup top of the group and undefeated. Gilgeous-Alexander is also the first player to total more than 10 points, five rebounds and five assists in all first-round games in the competition.

Canada, who toppled France by hand in their opener and then crushed Lebanon, had to work to win against Latvia. He came out cold on the pitch. Without defensive intensity, the Latvian shooters took advantage of the passivity of the Americans.

After the break, Gilgeous-Alexander took over. NBA point guard Oklahoma City Thunder scored 16 of Canada’s 24 points in the third quarter, including two of three 3-pointers.

Latvia reacted after Canada’s first shoot-off with baskets from Andrejs Grazulis and Rodions Kurucs. the best Latvians of the time. The effort paid off and the Latvian side were three points down, 55-52 with four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Gilgeous-Alexander came back to speed up his side who, within four minutes, recorded a 22-5 scoreline that smashed the Latvians’ bottom. The third act ended with 67-57.

In the fourth quarter, the Latvians thought Canada would eventually take the lead. During the period, the Latvian team settled for 18 points while the relaxed Canadians scored another 18 to end the match 101-75, up 26 points.