Lithuania Defeats Austria to Conclude Euro Championships
Jul 24 | Men's Basketball
BILBAO, SPAIN (July 24, 2011) - Lithuania defeated Austria 78-62 in the classification round on Sunday in its final game at the 2011 FIBA U20 European Championships. Lithuania, which entered the Championships as one of the favorites, avoided relegation to Division B with the win and will continue to compete in Division A as one of Europe's top 16 teams.
Helped by a 17-0 run, Lithuania jumped-out to a 28-11 first quarter lead and never looked back. The Baltic nation established a 54-34 rebounding advantage and limited Austria to 33.3 percent (22-66) shooting. Lithuania made 43.5 percent (30-69) of its field goal attempts.
Rutgers rising sophomore forward Gilvydas Biruta (Jonava, Lithuania) had four rebounds and one assist in five minutes off the bench versus Austria. In seven Euro Championship games he averaged 5.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 14.1 minutes, while shooting 42.9 percent (15-35).
Spain defeated Italy 82-70 on Sunday for the European Championships title. Lithuania defeated both finalists in the Torneo Internacional de Barakaldo the weekend prior to the Euro Championships. Lithuania then downed Italy once again in its Championships opener before suffering four consecutive losses. Lithuania finished strong competing in the classification round, however, winning three of its final four contests.
Lithuania finished in 14th place with a 4-5 overall record.
For additional information on the 2011 FIBA U20 European Championships visit http://u20men.fibaeurope.com/en/default.asp.
