Day 9 of FIBA Recap 2010

        In the first game of the day, Lithuania, one of three remaining unbeatens in tournament play, continued their winning tradition, taking down China 78-67. Although the Chinese led after the first period, the Lithuanians turned up their defense in the second and third quarters, just as forward Linas Kleiza caught fire from the field; he finished 14-22, totaling 30 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Martynas Gecevicius was perfect from behind the arc to finish second on the team with 14 points. China's frontline of Wang Zhizhi and Yi Jianlian were held in check, finishing with a combined 22 points on 9-of-23 shooting.
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        In the highly anticipated South American knockout game, Brazil fell to Argentina 93-89. Even DVK Joventut's Marcelo Tieppo Huertas' 34 points and Leandro Barbosa's 20 points off the bench were not enough for the Brazilians to force the upset. Tiago Splitter was held in check, as well Anderson Varejao, who was enjoying his first game back from injury. On the other end of the court, Luis Scola continued his dominant play scoring a tournament-high 37 points, showing his superior skills scoring the basketball around the rim and converting from the foul line. He missed just six shots from the field in the entire contest, making 14-of-20 shots. Argentinian wing Carlos Delfino put forth a strong effort, scoring 20 points and preventing the defense from collapsing on Scola inside.

        Argentina will play Lithania Thursday afternoon in the next round of elimination games.


By Chris Andrews