The second tie in Group D at this year’s FIBA World Cup saw Egypt lose 67-93 to Lithuania in their opening game at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
The five-time AfroBasket champions were overpowered by the Lithuanians, led by New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas, who finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Lithuania led right from the jump, finishing the first quarter 26-12; the North Africans came out stronger in the second quarter to win 22-20. The third and fourth quarters followed in the same fashion as the first, with the Europeans winning 47-33 to win the game by a mammoth 26 points.
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— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
Margiris Normantas led all scorers with 18 points, while Eimantas Bendzius added ten points from the bench.
Assem Marei led all Egyptian players with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 rebounds; guard Amr El Gendy added 13 points and 5 rebounds; and Anas Mahmoud added 11 points for the Egyptian side that had four players in double figures.
The Pharaohs will face Montenegro, who defeated Mexico 91-71 earlier in the day on Sunday, August 27, while the 12 Guerreros will take on Lithuania on the same day in game day 2.
