Spain wins after overtime and moves on to the quarter-finals at FIBA Eurobasket 2022

Spain defeated Lithuania in a 102-94 overtime thriller to book their spot in the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Quarter-Finals.

By grabbing the victory, Spain locked up a top-eight finish for the 21st consecutive EuroBasket – dating back to 1979 – moving into sole possession of the longest streak as the Soviet Union also finished in the first eight teams in 20 straight events from 1951 to 1989.

Turning Point: The first half was a back-and-forth affair, and neither team led by more than seven points. Lithuania extended their advantage to 11 points midway through the third quarter, only to see Spain pull within three points late in the quarter. Spain trailed by seven points with under five minutes to play but reeled off a 12-3 spurt to go ahead 80-78. The final minute of regulation was fitting for such a battle of titans with three lead changes before Ignas Brazdeikis tipped in a miss at the buzzer to force overtime. Lorenzo Brown finished the deal in the extra session with 12 points, including two free throws with 29 seconds left.

TCL Player of the Game: Lorenzo Brown was too much to handle for Lithuania all game as the Spain guard collected 28 points, eight assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

Stats Don’t Lie: Spain committed only eight turnovers while taking advantage of 20 Lithuania miscues for a 33 to 13 difference in points off turnovers. The Spanish also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds.

Bottom Line: Spain is just one win from reaching the Semi-Finals for the 11th straight tournament as Sergio Scariolo’s men will take on the winner of Finland versus Croatia on Tuesday, September 13.