F.Y.R. of Macedonia knockout Lithuania 67 – 65 to reach semi finals of FIBA EuroBasket - Part 2
Link for Part-1: http://www.senore.com/F-Y-R-of-Macedonia-knockout-Lithuania-67-65-to-reach-semi-finals-of-FIBA-EuroBasket-Part-1-a97488
The third quarter saw a spark emerge in the F.Y.R. of Macedonia side, that went looking for a lead after the interval. They had done a good job of keeping the scores close up until this point and now looked to go on the front foot with some aggressive play.
For a moment, Lithuania came under pressure and the Macedonians took advantage. Macedonian guard Vojdan Stojanovski hit two stunning back to back three pointers that levelled the scores at 38-38, the first time Lithuania looked to be in a spot of bother.
M. Kalnietis though hit back with one from downtown for the hosts to give them some breathing space, but it didn’t last for long. Lester McCalleb reached the foul line and knocked down a free throw to give Macedonia their first lead of the game.
The lead changed hands again soon as Lithuania took hold this time. Macedonia came close a few times afterwards but failed to take it back and the teams entered the final period with the score at 49 – 52 to Lithuania.
Macedonia made a spirited effort in the last quarter but Lithuania looked like holding on and were ahead by 4 points with 1:09 left on the clock. However it all went wrong for them from there as the opposing side scored 6 points without a reply to end the game. Lester McCalleb started the mini run with a two pointer that got his side within touching distance of the Lithuanians.
The hosts then turned the ball over and then watched in horror as Vlado Ilievski drained one from beyond the arc to give snatch away the lead. Macedonia held on from there to earn a memorable victory and cement their spot in the semi finals of the EuroBasket. The score line at the end read 67 – 65.
After the game Macedonia guard Vojdan Stojanovski could not hide his delight at the come from behind victory and credited his side’s determination and team ethic for the unlikely triumph. He also praised likely future opponents Spain, but said that the form F.Y.R. of Macedonia were in at the moment meant that they would back themselves against anyone in the world.
"This is a huge win for us. We are very happy. I think we played very well and we deserved this win. I have to thank our playmakers because they put me in a position to have open shots. I was confident of making them. Spain will be a tough team but we have proved that we can beat good teams in this tournament."
Mantas Kalnietis on the other hand was filled with regret but vowed to overcome this setback.
"We didn't play our game. We didn't play how we wanted and how we could have played. They deserved to win. We feel terrible now but we have to be a team again and try to win our next game. "
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