LTU/PUR - Puerto Rico storm past Lithuania

AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - A remarkable comeback has seen Puerto Rico upset European runner up Lithuania on day one of the FIBA U19 World Championship, recording an 80-73 victory at the ASB Stadium in Auckland.

Behind eight points from both Vytenis Cizauskas and Gediminas Bertasius, Lithuania surged to a commanding 31-14 quarter time lead, finding numerous holes in the Puerto Rican defence.

Puerto Rico contributed to their own situation though, missing their first 8-three point attempts and their first five free throw attempts.

It wasn’t until Isaac Sosa nailed his first attempt from the perimeter with 6:19 remaining in the second quarter that Puerto Rico came alive. Two more long range shots from Sosa brought Puerto Rico within nine points which would be the half time margin, 48-39.

Puerto Rico upped the defensive intensity in the second half, led by Jio Fontan, not allowing Lithuania to feed the post in the half court and restricting the Europeans to just 14 points for the quarter.

Trailing 62-60 at the last break, Puerto Rico soon erased the margin and took a five point lead, 72-67, with 3:31 to play. While Lithuania closed to within one point, some clutch free throw shooting from Carlos Lopez, and two turnovers by Lithuania in the last minute saw Puerto Rico close out with a seven point margin.

Sosa was outstanding for Puerto Rico with 18 points and 5 rebounds, and he was very well supported by forward Kevin Young (20 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks) and livewire guard Mike Rosario (17 points).

For Lithuania, Cizauskas (15 points and 6 rebounds) and Dovydas Redikas (15 points) led the way. Lithuania now face Angola in a must win match at ASB Stadium tomorrow night, while Puerto Rico play Greece in the preceding game.

FIBA