REPORT: Latvia - Lithuania 84:83

by zvz on Aug 4, 2007 11:35 PM PDT

Great game, great result for Latvian national team that beat Lithuania only for the 5th time out of 15 meetings!

The players were raining threes, one of those decided the winner at the buzzer - seriously close back-and-forth game, although it didn't have to be - 3min before the end of regulation Latvia was up +12, a couple of stupid turnovers, and Lithuanian threes, and the game became close in the final stages.

Biedrins' presence was felt the most at times when he was on the bench - without him there was no rebounding, and during Biedrins' absence Lithuania closed the gap several times. Biedrins fouled out with about 2 minutes to play. Was very effective on defense - 1 block, many changed shots, but wasn't productive on offense. First of all, hats off to Lithuanian frontline (that is one of the strongest in Europe - Songaila, Javtokas, Lavrinovich brothers) - Biedrins was pressured all game, and subsequently got the ball only a couple of times. When he did get the ball on 1-on-1 situations he lost it on most occasions (5 turnovers, 1 assist passing out of double team).

Latvian guards guaranteed Latvia stays in the game with a great 3-pointer percentage 14/29, most notable Janicenoks (playing in Italy A Liga)

As for Jasikevicius, he had some sparks on offense (6 assists), was clutch in the closing minutes hitting 3-of-4 free throws (80:83), but overall he was far from his top shape.

Lithuanians Songaila and Siskauskas kept their team in game, with each one of them hitting a couple 3-pointers in the closing minutes of the game, and pulling their team within reach of a win.

Here's a link for box score:
http://www.basket.lv/viriesu_izlase/protokols/5409

And low quality highlights:
http://esports.risinajumi.lv/temp/Basketbols/lat_liet_04_08_07.mpg

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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Thanks for the report zvz

I'm sure Andris is just saving his newly-refined offensive firepower for the NBA season. Doesn't want to tip his hand early, y'know.

by ivanbe on Aug 5, 2007 2:53 AM PDT reply actions

thanks

that was an awesome game. Arena was simply rocking..

by ramiism on Aug 5, 2007 7:06 AM PDT reply actions

Practice?

I had hoped that Andris would spend a little time in the weight room and work on his free throws this offseason but I suppose national pride comes first.

His athleticism, size, and left hand translate to potential but if he's always playing in competitive games where he's not allowed to get reps on his weak points, than we will never see that potential realized.

by BingBluNT on Aug 5, 2007 7:07 AM PDT reply actions

i'd be (pleasantly) surprised

if he ever improves all that much from what he is now. very few players truly improve - most fall either in the get more minutes or body strength categories. for those who do improve, it usually involves their shooting.

Andris' per 48 min #'s are pretty much the same since his inaugural season. The only real difference was in fouls per minute. Basically, his improved strength allowed him to play more minutes.

I think ppl who saw the talent initially are inclined to agree w/ me. Whereas those who didn't & view last year as a meteorological improvement, probably won't.

I am a little surprised that he hasn't altered his jump shooting stroke ala barnes b/c that thing looks atrocious.

by the evil monkey on Aug 5, 2007 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions