Spain’s tough obstacle in the second round of Eurobasket Lithuania

Spain achieved their first goal in the continental tournament by beating the group stage, and they did it best. Just a little unexpected blurb of the defeat against Belgium. However, he made up for it with a solid win against Montenegro and an emotionally valuable win against the ambitious first team, Turkey. gave him first place and strengthened his dream options.

But what should have been a ‘prize’ has become a new challenge for the team led by Sergio Scariolo, who are forced to compete. A Lithuanian named protagonist in this Eurobasket and this one prides itself on having one of the absolute best indoor couples in the competition.

And at these appointments the pools are often broken, and the Lithuanians were one of the victims. 4th place in a tough group shared with Slovenia, France and host Germany It was he who broke almost all the cabals with his victories over the French and Lithuanians. He has avoided the current world champion Luka Doncic and his team and the current Olympic runner-up, but will still have a tough ‘fight’ against the Baltic team he already knew from preparations.

The team had two friendly matches in August. Kazys MaksvytisWinning 77-82 in Gran Canaria Arena and 78-76 in Vilnius, the player had a big local start after the match and where? neither Willy Hernangómez nor Rudy Fernández playedbut who could rally until they had the last ball to win or forced overtime.

The triple European champion clings to this competitive nature to stay out of the top eight for the first time since ninth place in 1977. Spain has had a flawless streak in the semi-finals of ten consecutive Eurobaskets, which should give it its best. Trying to imagine prolonging all aspects of the game, starting with good night in defensive intensity, rebound control and outside success.

Scariolo Hoping to be able to trust Captain Rudy Fernándezhe was absent in the final win due to physical problems and also by the fact that these rest days are good for the team to have maximum energy to fight a Lithuanian who came more than less after being on the brink of the abyss.

The Lithuanian team didn’t start off well with their tight defeats against France and Slovenia, and life was complicated with a third place against Germany after extra time, leaving them little room to play for a ticket in the final match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. beat by solvency and clearly stated that he has scoring power

Spain will have to find solutions mainly to hold on to its rival’s two pillars. Jonas Valanciunas and Domantas Sabonis, who is friendly already hurt inside. The former scores very well and contributes in double digits for points (18.4) and rebounds (11.4) and will have a nice duel with Willy Hernangómez, the most regular Spaniard ever, and rising Lorenzo Brown.

The son of the legendary Arvydas Sabonis does not shine as much as expected.Except for the Hungary match, but the Spanish defense will have to keep an eye on him. Behind his two figures stands Marius Grigonis, ‘ACB’ Rokas Jokubaitis and the second top scorer (15.8 points) on a team with other key players like Rokas Giedraitis or Ignas Bradzekis, but he often suffers when he’s not in a jersey. two references on the way.

Data sheet:

Spain: Brown, López-Arostegui, Juancho Hernangómez, Garuba and Willy Hernangómez –the possible starting five–, Pradilla, Díaz, Brizuela, Rudy Fernández, Jaime Fernández, Parra and Saiz.

Lithuania: Jokubaitis, Giedraitis, Bradzekis, Sabonis, and Valanciunas — five possible beginnings — Grigonis, Kuzminskas, Lekavicius, Butkevicius, Echodas, Zukaukas, and Zermaitis.

Pavilion: Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin.

Hour: 20.45/Four.