Marius at U21 WT in Argentina

[Papa_Bull]

Lithuania v Puerto Rico is about to begin.

Live scoring

http://online.fibaamericas.com/pc1/defa_US.asp

[Papa_Bull]

The live scoring link seems to be stuck with Lith ahead 8-2.

That's been happening ever since the USA team started to destroy China. Maybe the Chinese didn't want anybody to see it.  

At least we know where Marius is, unlike BB Waldon.  ;D  

[Papa_Bull]

It's back working again.

Marius is 2-2 at the FT line.

He is supposedly the captain of the Lith team, but doesn't take many shots.

Linas Kleiza (NBA) was supposed to be the star for the Lith team but he couldn't play due to injury. Kleiza was picked 27th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, then acquired by the Nuggets in a draft-day trade. The forward averaged 16 points and 7.6 rebounds as a sophomore last season at Missouri.

I think PR is the favorite, but it wouldn't surprise me if Lith wins.

[Papa_Bull]

Stuck again at 18-15 with Lith leading.

Maybe it's just my computer.

[Papa_Bull]

06/08/2005

FIBA U21 - USA romp to opening day win

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA U21 World Championship) - Team USA steamrolled China on Friday on the first day of FIBA U21 World Championship, Argentina, thrashing the Far East giants 117-50.

Curtis Withers poured in a game-high 19 points while Rudy Gay had 18 and both Taj Gray and Allan Ray weighed in with 14 apiece.

The United States did a lot of their damage from long range, making 14 of 31 shots from behind the arc.

Next up for the Americans is a mouthwatering clash on Saturday against Lithuania, while the Chinese will attempt to regroup when they take on Nigeria.

China qualified for this event for only the second time. In 1997, the Asians finished last in 12th place.

PA International

http://www.fiba.com/pages/en/events/blockbusters/wc_u21_men/art_U21_wc_m.asp?r_act_news=8595&r_cat=208

Hard to believe that last week Lith was up 15 points on the USA squad, before losing by 5. Marius missed a 3 pointer near the end of the game.

[Papa_Bull]

I just posted on the International BB board and they gave me an update and link.

Half time

Lithuania 41

Puerto Rico 32

http://www.u-21.com.ar/final/main.asp?wVarIdioma=2

[Brad]

Any word on Marius' scoring?

[Cubanbull]

0-3 in three pointers, 2 points both Fts

[Papa_Bull]

Final

Lithuania 97

Puerto Rico 81

Next up they play USA

[Papa_Bull]

06/08/2005

FIBA U21 - Lithuania beat Puerto Rico

CORDOBA (FIBA U21 World Championship) - Lithuania secured an important win against Puerto Rico in the best game of the evening in Mar del Plata. Leading at halftime with 41 - 32, the Lithuanians could even expand the score to a comfortable 74-48 lead after the third quarter.

Allthough Puerto Rico came back in the fourth quarter and could close the gap to 10 points with two minutes to go, Lithuania was able to secure a convincing 97-81 win.

Puerto Rico was plagued by foul trouble of Washington Wizzards center Peter Ramos, who was only 22 minutes on court and scored only 5 points.

Lithuania and Puerto Rico are considered to be two of the best teams of Group B with chances to go to the medal round. Therefore, this game had huge importance for the final standing of the Preliminary Round.

Best scorers-Arturas Jomantas (21) and Renaldas Seibutis (20) for Lithuania, Jose Barea (19) and Luis Brignoni (15) for Puerto Rico.

Coach Lituania – Ramunas Butautas

We started very nervous and we could not find our style of playing but we found our rythm with a good defence, although we couldn't score. We changed some players and our strategy, so we could be up by 20 points. At the end of the match we lost our momentum and Puerto Rico could close the gap. The key for our win was our defence. We were able to keep Peter Ramos and Jose Bare out of the game.

Lithuania 7 – Arturas Somantas

We could not execute out our game plan until the second half. At the end, Puerto Rico came back into the game and we lost our style of playing. We are glad  that we could rely on our defence.

Coach Puerto Rico – Carlos Calcaño

At the first half, we missed a lot of free throws. Besides, our offensive had low percentages from the field. At the end, we tried to put a bit of pressure, but it was not enough. We need Peter Ramos, and if he scores only 5 points, it is hard for us to win games.

Puerto Rico 5 – José Juan Barea

Without discussions, Lithuania was the better team tonight. We had a bad night and we could not find the style of playing that we are accustomed to.