Russia’s men reached the semifinals of the Olympic basketball tournament Wednesday, beating Lithuania 83-74 in a dramatic match.
Andrei Kirilenko, who returned to the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves last month, top-scored for the Russians, making a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Russia showed good defensive skills and took a nine-point lead at the beginning of the second quarter.
However, inspired play by ex- Philadelphia 76er Darius Songaila, who scored 10 points in the second quarter alone, left three-time bronze medalist Lithuania only five points behind Russia after the first half, only for Kirilenko and
Timofey Mozgov got into full swing to give Russia +14 lead.
Lithuania answered with an 11-0 run to reduce the gap.
A tense fourth quarter ended in Russia’s favor after Mantas Kalnietis missed a three-pointer with 45 seconds remaining to end Lithuania’s hopes of a comeback.
Either France or Spain will meet Russia in the semifinal, with the Russians hoping for their first basketball medal.
Either Brazil or Argentina and the United States or Australia will make up the second semifinal.
