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BOLOGNA (Italy) – There was joy for Lithuania as they celebrated landing back at FIBA Women’s EuroBasket for the first time since 2015 with an exciting triumph against Slovenia in their opening Group B game in Bologna.
A red-hot start filled them with confidence and while their opponents came roaring back thanks to a monumental double-double from Jessica Shepard, Lithuania held their composure to get the job done.
Lithuania light it up on their return to sink Slovenia
Lithuania’s defense was excellent and a foundation for victory
There was a lot to love for Lithuania as they beat Slovenia 77-71 to get off to the perfect start with a strong team performance built around some eye-catching defense. Racing their way into a double-digit lead after some nice early work by teenager Juste Jocyte, they were on the front foot for much of the contest.
Then when put under pressure from a Slovenian fight-back, they held firm – helped by a big go-ahead three ball with just over a minute remaining from Brigita Sinickaite that settled the nerves. Jocyte led the way with 17 points and 6 assists, supported by 15 points from Egle Sventoraite. Meanwhile Shepard claimed a stellar 25 points and 17 boards for Slovenia.
The second game of the day in Group B between Serbia and Italy will tip off at 21:00 CET.
FIBA