Mondiali Under 21

[Ale Div.]

15/08/2005

FIBA U21 - Lithuania U21 World Champions

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA U21 World Championship) - Lithuania won the gold medal after defeating Greece 65-63 in a thrilling Final game of the FIBA U21 World Championship 2005 in Mar Del Plata, Argentina.

During the entire game, no team could take more than a 5 point lead and the public had to wait until the very last second to have a chance to know the winners.

Both teams were still tie 63-63 with 26 seconds to go.

It was Lithuania's turn to go on offense but Jonas Maciulis missed the opportunity to give Lithuania a direct win.

Fortunately for the green team, as three Greek players went for the defensive rebound, Panagiotis Vasilopoulos stepped out and the ball was again in Lithuania's hand with 4.8 seconds left on the clock.

It was time for Lithuania coach Ramunas Butautas to call a time out.

Coming back on the floor, Lithuania perfectly use the time left to distribute the ball to MVP of the tournament, Renaldas Seibutis.

While arming his jump shot, Seibutis was fouled by Vasilopoulos offering the chance to the Lithuanian to seal the game from the free throw line with the 0 seconds left on the clock.

Seibutis stayed cold despite a very noisy crowd who was pushing for an over time, and score both of its attempts to offer Lithuania the gold medal.

When ask how he felt after hitting the most important free throws of his young career Seibutis said to the public: "It is a great moment for me, but also for the team and the coaches.

"I love you guys (his team), thank you so much for playing so hard," he added.

"I would like to thank and congratulate Greece and its coach for their great job," expressed Ramunas Butautas of Lithuania

It was a tough game, based in the defensive aspect. We had troubles with the shooters. The offensive was difficult for us because of the very hard Greek's defence. It was a tied game.

"It's an amazing feeling for us right now!".

Both team made really great effort, and it's hard to say that one disserved more the title than the other one.

"I congratulate Lithuania for this Championship.

"Really, they were the best team. I will never forget, in my entire life, what I have lived with my players along these days.

"A Greek's philosopher said "succeed is not just winning, also do the best effort". Our team will sleep quiet tonight.", Manos Manouselis head coach of Greece.

Renaldas Seibutis was also voted Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

"I am so happy for him. Tonight he proved that he is a great player, very strong psychologically.

"He had a lot of pressure on his shoulder when standing at the free throw line, but he stayed cold," said Lithuania Legend Rimas Kurtinaitis.

MVP

Renaldas Seibutis (LTU)

All-Star 5

Renaldas Seibutis (LTU)

Yotam Halperin (ISR)

Konstantinos Vasileiadis (GRE)

Levon Kendall (CAN)

Loukas Mavrokefalidis (GRE)

Final Ranking:

1. Lithuania

2. Greece

3. Canada

4. Australia

5. USA

6. Argentina

7. Puerto Rico

8. Slovenia

9. Nigeria

10. Israel

11. China

12. Iran