Lithuania to Compete in Classification Round of European Championships
Jul 17 | Men's Basketball
BILBAO, SPAIN - The Lithuania national team concluded the preliminary round of the 2011 FIBA U20 European Championships with a 1-2 record and did not advance to the qualifying round. Lithuania began the Championships with an 82-77 victory over Italy before suffering a 73-63 loss to the Ukraine on Friday and an 88-73 defeat to Germany on Saturday.
Lithuania and Ukraine both had 1-2 records in the preliminary round in Group D, but due to point differential, Ukraine advances to the qualifying round. Lithuania is relegated to the classification round to determine 13th through 16th place.
Rutgers rising sophomore forward Gilvydas Biruta (Jonava, Lithuania) averaged 5.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 16.3 minutes in the preliminary round for Lithuania. He shot 42.9 percent (6-14) from the field. Versus Italy, Biruta had four points and five rebounds in 22 minutes. Against the Ukraine, he had nine points and one rebound in 15 minutes. Versus Germany, Biruta had two points in 12 minutes.
Italy took first place in Group D and Germany finished second.
Lithuania will begin play in the classification round on Monday versus Serbia. Lithuania will then meet Croatia on Tuesday, Austria on Wednesday and Serbia once again on Friday.
For additional information on the Championships visit http://u20men.fibaeurope.com/en/default.asp.
