Lithuania tops Argentina 104-85 to reach 1st Worlds semis

Lithuania's Simas Jasaitis (R) dunks the ball over Argentinia's Marcos Mata during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010.

ISTANBUL - Lithuania advanced to the semifinals of the basketball world championship for the first time, hitting nine of its first 11 three-pointers Thursday to beat Argentina 104-85 and set up a meeting with the United States.

Simas Jasaitis scored 16 points for Lithuania, which had seven players in double digits.

"People thought we were an underdog coming in. The reason we're in this spot right now is because of our team chemistry," said Lithuania guard Martynus, who will face off Saturday against his old coach at Duke Blue Devils, Mike Krzyzewski.

Lithuania forward Linas Kleiza scored 17 points, while guard Tomas Delininkaitis and Pocius had 16 each.

Carlos Delfino of the Milwaukee Bucks scored 25 for Argentina, which missed its first 11 3-point atempts.

The defeat means Argentina won't finish in the top four at the worlds, Olympics or FIBA Americas Championship for the first time since 2000.

"This game tonight there was only one team on the court: Lithuania," Argentina coach Sergio Hernandez said. "They killed Argentina with defense, they ran the floor well and shot well. We could not stop them at any time."

Argentina forward Luis Scola entered averaging 30.3 points a game - the third highest in worlds history - but turned in a forgettable performance, showing none of the form he displayed in scoring 10 of his team's final 12 points in a 93-89 win over Brazil on Tuesday.

The Houston Rockets player missed seven of his first 10 attempts to finish with 13 points.

Lithuania used an 8-0 run to jump ahead 17-10 with precise shooting, tenacious defense and crisp ball movement. The team were ahead 50-30 at halftime and built its lead to 32 points before Argentina was able to cut it to 17 late in the game.

Lithuania's Mantas Kalnietis (L) and Robertas Javtokas celebrate their team's win over Argentina after their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010.

Lithuania's Robertas Javtokas (above) and Argentina's Luis Scola battle for a loose ball during his team's FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010.
(Agencies)