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After the break, the Lithuanian team eliminated M. Taylor’s students with the result 88:69.
“Lithuania played very hard, although we weren’t statistic either. He was proud of how the guys played in the first half of the match, how they defended and fought against taller opponents. But in the third half we didn’t take easy shots, the attack got stuck. Also As I guessed before the game, the balls bounced by the opponents became a big problem, ”the 48-year-old American specialist commented on the match.
“Of course the Lithuanians deserve the victory. I think we did a very good job in the first half as well. The end of the second quarter and a few minutes into the third were significant, when the Lithuanians blew into the wind. We lost some concentration and they walked away and kept controlling the game. We tried to chase, but seasoned players in the Euroleague and NBA know how to stop me from doing it. This is a good experience for us, which we will have to use in the future, “added Ms. Ponitka.
The captain of the Polish team scored 10 points, but was unsuccessful in the match. A total of 27 players in 35 minutes. he earned 8 utility points, half of the previous Olympic qualifiers.
However Delphi When asked if he felt he had done his best with his compatriots, the striker from Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia) took the situation seriously.
“As we will not be in the Olympics, we could have done better. But we have to accept reality. We will see a video of this match, we will evaluate the lessons received in preparation for the next competition that awaits us: the selection of the world championship.
Especially today, we really tried, we really fought. The only game in which we completely failed was against Slovenia. It really turned into a disappointment, well, but we played with a serious team “, – M. Ponitka was not too self-critical.
Semi-final of the Olympic selection tournament in Kaunas: Lithuania – Poland. Match statistics.
“Judging from the entire tournament, our guys had a fantastic opportunity to play for Slovenia and Lithuania. I enjoyed what we did this summer. We can look into each other bravely because we did what we could. I think Polish basketball has a bright future, “agreed Taylor.
After the show, the Poles will join the final spectators; both the captain and the coach are convinced that it would be a sin to miss such a match.
They don’t see clear favorites, or at least they don’t name them out loud.
“It just came to our knowledge then. It is not easy for anyone to visit here at the Žalgiris stadium when it is full of people. I have no idea who will win, how the match will unfold.
The Slovenians scored marvelously on the 3s: the defense on the perimeter and the two-on-two suspension of Luka Dončičius and Mike Tobey will be essential challenges for the Lithuanians. In turn, the most important Lithuanian players: Mantas Kalnietis, Jonas Valančiūnas and Domantas Sabonis. This trio can win the match alone, and let’s add Marius Grigonis pitchers, Rokas Giedraitis. There will be a very high level match that everyone will be interested in seeing, ”M. Ponitka replied.
“A great show awaits neutral spectators. I think the squaring factor at home will be very important for Lithuanians, on the other hand, L. Dončičius is the person who makes the difference. You can make incredible pitches, create opportunities for others, and add confidence to your overall team.
I think both coaches have clear systems and style of play. On the one hand, a game against two against and great shooters, on the other, dominance in the penalty area. There will be something to see, if it’s open, and I’m looking forward to this game myself. ”Taylor rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
The Polish team participated in the Olympics six times, but the last in 1980.
The Lithuanians try to hit the Olympic park for the seventh time in a row, the Slovenians have yet to make their debut at the Games.
We remind you that three more similar Olympic qualifying tournaments will end simultaneously in Split (Croatia), Belgrade (Serbia) and Victoria (Canada).
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