Quarter-finals: Russia vs Lithuania

[madmax]

I'm only talking about last summer (Eurobasket Lithuania) and this summer (Olympics so far). This period is very dull. And that's the most important period since 2008 (Olympics). This summer NT is even more inconsitent and can't stick toghether as our NT used to. Lack of talent is really lame excuse if you ask me. To say that Lithuania is lacking talent is some misunderstanding. Argentina is playing with 4 players (not even having a center) - they just doing that very well as a team. When it's Kemzura's teams suddenly everybody find some excuses. One of the most talented young player in the world is not good for him - too young (for other he didn't even saw a place), peaking players are not good enough (Kleiza, Mačiulis, Jankūnas, Jasaitis, Seibutis) and venerants are probably too old? Let's just not make an excuses OK? Lithuania didn't make it in Eurobasket and Lithuania looked really bad in the group stage of Olympics. These are facts in my view.

don't bother SF...
I call this cowardly symptom of making excuses an excusitis - perfect cop out tactic for weak and obedient crowd
So now suddenly we are lacking in talent and reaching a QF should be considered success? Damn, I still remember the days when any loss was considered a national tragedy for our NT - nowadays we are happy with pushing "better" teams and losing by less than 10 points. Jeez man, what is the point of even competing then, if you are resigning and waving white flag even before the first battle commences?

[Straight forward]

Then go with Kavaliauskas, Songaila, Jasaitis, Pocius and Saras as main substitutes. Maciulis isnt exactly ready for the olympics and Kaukenas defensive woes against Fridzon might be too devastating for us.

Contrary I think Mačiulis should start. He's one of those who can fight with Russia's 3 and 4 postion players. He had some micro injuries, but he's the best defensive small forward Lithuania has. Simas should start only if Kemzura thinks Russia will start with zone defence, but that's not very likely I think. I wouldn't be surprised Mačiulis will try to guard Kirilenko.

As for Kaukėnas I agree, but I have a feeling Kemzūra will start him. When it looks like very logical choise to start Pocius or Seibutis, Kemzura starts Kaukėnas. Off course, Kaukėnas can split the defence and score, but he lets his opponents to go inside too easy this summer. Shved and Fridzon would make credit from that.

If I was Kemzura I would start Kavaliauskas. The start of the game is too much for Jonas, speically now. And that would also mean he would play more minutes with Šaras in the game probably.

[Chopin]

It is going to be a fun game to watch. I will root for the Lithuanians but honestly I think they are loosing this game, Russia has better players overall and I would be quite surprised if they lost to this Lithuania.

[Navarro #7]

Russia is better so I think they'll probably win although Lithuanian morale is up after facing the USA like they did.

I would like to see Saras playing a good match today. Today is the kind of days he appears in the most terrorific way for his rivals.

[each way]

This will be a question of by how much for the Russians.

[SG-]

First of all, madmax, can you act like a man, and true fan? gosh, you are such a cry-baby. Everything is bad for you. Just cheer for you team, if you dont believe them, dont try to adopt your opinion to other people. Every time I see your posts-its against Lithuania.

I would say, equal match. Yea yea Russia is in form, they won against us in friendly matches, but its even better! Russian frontline is not going to be as big problem as it seems, I would say Kirilenko, Shved and Fridzon are the biggest threats. I am counting in Jasikevicius today. He should go to start, with Valanciunas, Kleiza,Maciulis and Pocius. Of course if there will be bad day for us, we have no chance, but if we will play at least as good as we are able, its 50/50 match, + we have more experienced players.

I would guess 71-64 Lithuania win.

[pablonis]

Considering the tremendous disrespect and arrogance Russian press has shown towards Lithuania, i almost wish we'd win solely for the reason of teaching those pricks a lessons. I mean, who the f*ck do they think they are....

I hope we'll win, but i'm not betting on it. Whatever the outcome will be, it will not be the end of the world, as we'll either get to the semis or get rid of Kemzura. I do think he's a good, smart coach, but i also he think he lacks balls and charisma and is unable to lead a team with so many strong characters.

What puzzles me are his remarks about Jonas, that he needs this or that... I mean you need to do that, you need to calm him down, assure him and give him confidence - after all, you're the coach and he's an overgrown teenager.

[Lietuvis]

ok biggest game coming up for our small, tiny often unknown country on this world stage of basketball where we have been giant killers. this is either going to be a turning point in our existence and whether we start to slide out of top 5 or maintain our strength for the next decade. this game is it and on the shoulders of our national team hovers a heavy burden to continue this succesful run over the last 6 olympics to qualify for every semi final yet again.

my guess is our time has come to slide down the basketball ladders and that after this loss we will be facing australia who will also gain revenge on us after all the times that we have beaten them in the olympics. australia will finish in 5th and we will have to make do with a dismal 7th in London 2012.

damn i wish i am wrong but thats the way this cookie is going to crumble!

[greenarcher]

Tremendous defense by both squads but open jump shots also not falling for both.

[Dtown]

11-1 run to end the quarter for Russia, Lithuania being smothered by that defense.

[Chopin]

Yes great defence by both teams, I get the feeling that they both use all their energy for defences . Russia is great at defensive rbd, Kirilenko already with 8 rbd in first quarter...

[greenarcher]

The shots that were falling for Lithuania against USA are not falling for them today. Lots of easy misses by both teams.

USA should watch this game closely because it seems Russia can really give them a run for their money. Excellent defense by Russia.

[Raze Lupin]

Anyone have a link for this game??

[Raze Lupin]

The shots that were falling for Lithuania against USA are not falling for them today. Lots of easy misses by both teams.

USA should watch this game closely because it seems Russia can really give them a run for their money. Excellent defense by Russia.

Russia still can not pull away from Lietuva.

[greenarcher]

Shved is going to play in the NBA right? He is too much of a ballhog based on this game.

Despite the great passes by Russia they still can't put away Lithuania. Hope it stays like this til the end!

Fridzon is really a terrific shooter.