Biruta Helps Lithuania to Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo Title
Jul 11 | Men's Basketball
BARAKALDO, Spain (July 11, 2011) - Rutgers rising sophomore forward Gilvydas Biruta (Jonava, Lithuania) helped the Lithuania U20 National Team to a perfect 3-0 record to win the Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo, played July 8-11. The tournament was a tune up for the 2011 FIBA U20 European Championships, which begin this Thursday (July 14) in Bilbao, Spain.
Biruta scored a game-high 18 points on Friday to help Lithuania to a 73-69 win over Italy in its tournament opener. Italy held a two point advantage at halftime, but the Baltic state out-scored its opponent by a 26-15 margin in the final 10 minutes to earn the victory.
On Saturday, Lithuania rebounded from a 21-14 first quarter deficit by out-scoring its foe 23-14 in the second stanza to defeat Montenegro 68-65. Biruta had seven points in the win.
Lithuania captured the tournament crown on Monday with an 81-80 defeat of Spain in its third come-from-behind win in as many games. Spain jumped-out to a 22-18 first quarter advantage and Lithuania posted a 20-8 second stanza, before the contest was deadlocked at the conclusion of regulation. Lithuania prevailed by a single point in extra time.
Lithuania will compete in the A Division of the FIBA European Championship as one of Europe's top 16 teams. They begin play in Group D along with Ukraine, Italy and the Federal Republic of Germany. Lithuania will play Italy in its Championship opener on Thursday. For additional information on the Championships visit http://u20men.fibaeurope.com/en/default.asp.
