HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) – In the last game of the day Lithuania got the best from Egypt in a game many would not have thought it could be a close one. However, it proved to be great contest thanks to team-captain Ahmed Moustafa (16 points) who willed his North African squad to compete on the highest level.

Moustafa suffered ailing back pains that had to be iced on several occasions, but on court he played as if he were a hundred percent. Lithuania did not get many open looks on offense, although Rokas Narkevicius (16 points) and mates were able to create some space until halftime (41:36, 20min).

In the second half Moustafa initiated a run cutting the deficit back to a minimum at the beginning of the last period (66;65, 31min). But Egypt, who were beginning to look tired, lost track and fell behind within couple possessions. Suddenly, Lithuania caught fire on offense, seemingly unable to miss shots anymore.

Besides Narkevicius it was Mantas Mockevicius (21 points) who shined in a game that would culminate in the second win for the Europeans.

Quotes

Edijus Zenevicius, Lithuania assistant coach: "It has been a tough matchup for us, as Egypt forced us to give a hundred percent to earn this victory."

Hesham Aboserea, Egypt head coach: "Both teams played really well for 40 minutes. My team got tired after we got back into the mix at the beginning of the fourth quarter."

FIBA / JB