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Lithuania upsets USA in 2023 FIBA World Cup

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Lithuania defeats USA in the group stage of the 2023 FIBA World Cup
FIBA World Cup Mini: Lithuania vs. USA | Extended Highlights
Posted: Sep 25, 2023
Basketball Worst Odds

Team USA has always been the favorite to win international basketball tournaments due to the sheer talent available. Even without the best NBA superstars playing, USA was the favorite to win the 2023 FIBA World Cup, with odds before the tournament at -125. Conversely, Lithuania was the tenth favorite at +3500. So when it was USA versus Lithuania in a group stage match between two undefeated teams, most people expected a walkover; the spread was -14.5 or -1000 odds for the United States.

The USA team was filled with NBA players, while Lithuania only had one such player, Jonas Valanciunas. Lithuania blitzed Team USA by taking a 31-12 lead in the first quarter before ultimately winning 110-104.

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[Post Game Thread] Lithuania (5-0) defeats USA (4-1) 110-104
byu/iksnet innba

Quotes

In (the) locker room, I said to our guys to celebrate shortly and save all the energy and emotions also for the upcoming game,...It’s very hard. We got one of the biggest wins in our career, but we don’t have time to celebrate this. Serbia’s waiting and they’re not waiting for us with flowers and the red carpet.

Kazys Maksvytis
References

  • Lithuania stun USA at Basketball World Cup but Americans still progress

    But it was a still a shock, especially for a US team who are overwhelming favorites to win the gold. Anthony Edwards led the US with 35 points, his high of the summer, while Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 14.

  • Basketball World Reacts to Lithuania Upsetting Team USA in FIBA World Cup

    Lithuania shot 14-for-24 (56%) from deep and dominated on the glass, out rebounding the Americans 43 to 27. The Lithuanians specifically dominated the offensive glass with 43 boards.

  • Team USA shocked by Lithuania as path to FIBA World Cup title gets trickier

    Lithuania has pushed the U.S. to the limit, and beyond, more than a few times. Lithuania lost to the Americans by nine in a preliminary game at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, then escaped with a two-point win in the semifinals — and remained unbeaten in the Dream Team Olympic era — when Sarunas Jasikevicius’ 3-point try as time expired fell short.

  • Team USA: All their losses with NBA players

    though they had never given up as many points (110) as they did against the Lithuanians.

  • Odds to win FIBA World Cup 2023

    Unsurprisingly, USA are the favorites to take the gold medal this year, which would make them the all-time leaders in FWC golds. They’re currently tied at five with the former nation of Yugoslavia. The Americans, led by coach Steve Kerr, are -125 favorites on the board at DraftKings Sportsbook.

  • Lithuania announces final 12-man roster for FIBA World Cup

    The squad is headlined by New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas. With multiple notable players declining to join the national team this summer, the roster features five athletes that will make their debuts with the main team.