LTU - Javtokas: "We wanted to avenge our loss in the Olympics"
SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) – Two days inside the FIBA World championship in Japan things weren't on the bright side of Lithuania with two close losses, but since then Anatas sireika's team is blossoming
SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) – Two days inside the FIBA World championship in Japan things weren't on the bright side of Lithuania with two close losses, but since then Anatas sireika's team is blossoming.
The 71-68 win over Italy in the elimination round is worth a quarter-finals ticket. Lithuania is on a roll with their fourth win in a row by now.
Center Robertas Javtokas is playing a key role in the run of the Green, that are just one win from the semi-finals now.
Against Italy he scored six points and grabbed eight rebounds, but five of them were on the offensive side, where Lithuania once again proved they have probably the best front line in the championship.
Talking with FIBA.com right after the big win Javtokas is happy to revenge Italy on the loss in the Olympics and has no preferences for the quarter-finals match-up.
FIBA: What made the change for your team from the bad opener all the way to here?
Javtokas: "Our first two games here in the championship were close and we lost them, but I guess it helped us for the future. We gained some experience. Also we wanted to revenge Italy for the loss in the Olympics. Six or seven guys on this team played there and it was in our heads. We didn't even have to talk about it, and it gave us motivation."
FIBA: The offensive rebounds in the finish saved you from elimination.
Javtokas: "I wasn't on the floor in the last seconds when we took the offensive rebounds, but it's no secret we have many good inside players, that can do things like that."
FIBA: Are you happy with the way you played today?
Javtokas: "I don’t think we played good today. We have to improve our game, and I really hope we'll do it already in the quarter finals game. We make too many turnovers and we must play better offense."
FIBA: Next is Serbia or Spain – who do you prefer?
Javtokas: "I really don't care who we meet in the quarter finals. Both teams are very good, and as far as I remember we don't need to revenge any one of them."