Team USA were handed their first loss of the 2023 FIBA World Cup overnight falling to a spirited Lithuanian outfit 110-104 in the Filipino capital of Manila despite Anthony Edwards’ 35 points.
Lithuania leapt out to an astounding 19-point advantage at the end of the first and were up 17 at the half.
The Americans fought back in the third before both squads exploded offensively in the fourth with Lithuania holding on for a famous win.
Vaidas Kariniauskas finished with a team-high 15 points and four rebounds for Lithuania whilst Tadas Sedekerskis finished with an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Veteran centre Jonas Valančiūnas put up 12 points and seven rebounds whilst Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 14.
Lithuania dominated the glass finishing with a 43-27 edge including a massive 18 offensive rebounds whilst hitting on 14 of their 25 threes.
Team USA were led by Edwards’ 35 points on 14-of-26 from the field and 5-of-13 from three whilst Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 14 and Brandon Ingram 10.
Both teams will be back in action in the quarterfinals Tuesday night with Lithuania taking on Serbia before the United States face Italy.
