Lithuanian buzzer beater sets up Germany clash

FIBA U20 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - GROUP D (MD 3)

Greece were on course to finish in first place of Group D at the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship, but in the dying moments of overtime, Ignas Sargiunas drained a three pointer to steal a thrilling 88-86 win for Lithuania.

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In what was a pulsating encounter, Greece were heading for a third win in three games in the group stage, but Sargiunas grabbed the headlines with his late heroics. As a result of the defeat, the Greeks fall to second place of Group D, meaning they will play Germany in the Round of 16. Lithuania, group winners, have been paired up with Latvia.

Here is a full breakdown of the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship knockout stage:

The two Kalaitzakis twins, Giorgos and Panagiotis, took a leading role for Greece with an impressive haul of 23 and 21 points respectively.

THE MATCH

In a predictably evenly-matched contest, the two nations traded blows in the first half, with Lithuania winning the opening quarter 18-13 and Greece striking back by claiming the second 22-19.

The Greeks then evened the game in the third frame by winning it 21-19.

During a tense fourth quarter, Lithuania boasted an eight-point lead with six minutes to go, however Greece came back and forced overtime.

An overtime period which ended with Sargiunas denying the Greeks top spot in the group.

By: Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: gazzetta.gr

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