Spain does not find a solution in Lithuania

Spain does not find a solution in Lithuania

Brown had his best game against the casualties but Scariolo's men suffered their third defeat on the way to the Eurobasket

MADRID, 18 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Spanish men's basketball team lost (78-76) this Thursday in their visit to Lithuania, 48 hours after falling in Gran Canaria also with the Lithuanian team, in an even match but without enough success to change the face of the preparation for Eurobasket 2022 of less than two weeks.

Sergio Scariolo's team had to follow a bad start (19-4), something they should have learned from the defeat against Greece in Athens last week, but they had possession to win the game. The nationalized Lorenzo Brown was close to convincing the unbelievers but fell short on the last pitch.

The American threw the team behind him in a tight ending, in need of points, just as he did in the early stages. The absence of Sergio Llull and Rudy Fernández, who Scariolo already warned that they need to dose, or of Willy Hernangómez, left the responsibility on Brown (18 points and 5 assists).

Lithuania, with a good wrist in general, were a tough opponent with about 10,000 fans at their side. At the beginning everything went for them, with Giedraitis inspired by three, and between Valanciunas and Sabonis they gave their rival a few problems. Spain had no choice but to get their act together in defence, and they succeeded from Scariolo's touch.

The poor success was made up by Spain with that intensity behind, to cut back even if it was with a dropper. Sima and Saiz added, and the entrance of Jaime Fernández also woke up the visitors. Usman Garuba had minutes again, in a late start but not ruled out for the Eurobasket.

Brizuela's contribution was also noted and the Spanish team gradually found its strengths and its game (39-30). Brown took the reins again after the break, leading as he played more than ever, while Brazdeikis (16 points) burst in after going unnoticed in the first half.

Things were going for Lithuania even without Valanciunas and Sabonis, but the income was going down (56-53). Facing the last quarter, the litmus test was served, with the physical demands posed by Lithuania and Spain looking for their move, but with uneven success. Brizuela gave life and Brown picked up the baton.

The base assumed the stripes, in his fourth game with the national team, and chained one basket after another. He also had the winner or the tie for extra time, but the American fell short. He will still have to wait to win the headlines, but Spain needs solutions, and Brown's may well be one.

Scariolo has his plan, for that he rotates, rests and chooses the moments in which to test each player, but the Eurobasket is drawing near and Spain is still one step below the favourites. Those called to fight for the legacy of the Gasols and company, for a fourth European gold, will now have to briefly put themselves in FIBA ​​World Cup qualifying 'window' mode, next week with two games, before the continental tournament.

RESULT: LITHUANIA, 78 - SPAIN, 76. (39-30, at halftime).

LITHUANIA: Jokubaitis (5), Giedraitis (12), Grigonis (11), Sabonis (7) and Valanciunas (16) --quintet initial--, Brazdeikis (16), Echidas (1), Masiulis (5), Zemaitis ( 2), Lekavicius (-), Butkevicius(3).

SPAIN: Brown (18), Lopez-Arostegui (7), Pradilla (2), Jauncho Hernangómez (8) and Garuba (2) --starting quintet--, Jaime Fernández (7), Brizuela (12), Colom (- ), Saiz (7), Sima (5), Núñez (2), Guerra (4), Parra (2).

--ARBITRATORS: Maciulaitis, Urbanovic y Simonavicius. Sin eliminated.

--PABELLÓN: Avia Solutions group, 9,811 spectators.