While the Lithuanians reached their desired destination, the route they took was a rocky one. They were dominated for much of the game, trailing by as much as 14 in the third quarter. Thanks to the heroics of Darius Songaila off the bench, though, they were able to charge back, taking their first lead of the night late in the third. After that, thee was no stopping the men in green, who outscored Tunisia 26-9 in the final period. Songaila poured in 13 points in just over 12 minutes, while Renaldas Seibutis chipped in 10 critical points, all of which came in the fourth quarter.

The Tunisians received an inspired effort from big man Salah Mejri, who put up 16 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. He was unstoppable in the post during the first three quarters, finishing over the Lithuanian front line at will. Unfortunately, the 7’1″ center tired down the stretch, and he was ineffective during Tunisia’s nightmarish fourth quarter.

As the adopted Olympic team of Raptors Rapture, we’re happy to see the Lithuanians advance. It just would have been nice to see the two Toronto Raptors contribute. Jonas Valanciunas was effective in setting screens and grabbing rebounds, but his inexperience was apparent as he racked up 3 turnovers in limited minutes. More surprisingly, Linas Kleiza—who was averaging 18 points per game coming in—mustered just 4 points on 2-9 shooting. He missed each of his 3 trey-balls, and he failed to reach the free-throw line, a testament to his lack of aggression.

Despite the Raps’ struggles, Lithuania was able to pull off the comeback. Thanks to Songaila, Seibutis and Sarunas Jasikevicius, Lithuania will advance to Wednesday’s quarterfinals, where they will likely take on Russia.

Austin Green is the editor of Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

This an encouraging development for the Baltic men, as they are finally playing up to their potential. After their early schedule was riddled with disappointment, Lithuania used Saturday to remind everyone what they are capable of. Against the best United States team in 20 years, the Lithuanians brought their A+ game, scaring the hell out of the Americans before LeBron James started doing LeBron James things. The best player in the world scored 9 points in the final four minutes, effectively burying Lithuania 99-94.

Although they were dealt another L, Lithuania looked like a legitimate gold medal contender at times. They destroyed the USA on pick-n-rolls. They won the rebounding battle. They got another masterful game from our boy Linas Kleiza (25 points, 10-20 on FGs). They shot 58.5% from the floor as a team. They even held the lead in the fourth quarter, going up 82-80 after Kleiza drilled a three from the wing.

Simply put, if the Lithuanians play anywhere that level on Monday, they will blow past Tunisia Usain Bolt-style. Tunisia doesn’t have the firepower to keep up with Lithuania, especially with Kleiza (18.0 ppg) and former Duke guard Martynas Pocius (14.5 ppg last two games) playing at their current level.

The Tunisians have been getting great pr0duction from 6’8″ Makram Ben Romhdane (15.8 ppg, 9.3 rpg), and they did challenge France before eventually losing 73-69. Unfortunately for them, the Lithuanians have regained their mojo. They are finally playing like the international powerhouse we’re used to seeing, which means we’re likely in for a classic beatdown.

Tip-off is at 6:15 a.m ET, so set your alarm clocks early if you want to see Jonas Valanciunas before he gets benched at approximately 6:20 ET.

Austin Green is the editor of Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.