IN one of the biggest surprises in the FIBA World Cup 2023, Lithuania and its NBA star Jonas Valanciunas brought down five-time champion United States, 110-104, in the battle of unbeaten teams at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Valanciunas, the 6-11 veteran NBA veteran, was clearly the man of the hour for Lithuanians, who buried the Americans with an avalanche of three-point baskets in the first half before holding off a determined rally by their heavily-favored opponents in front of 11,349 fans.

The 6-11 Valanciunas finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in another all-around performance.

But it was not all Valanciunas as six other players also stepped up for Lithuania, which wrapped up Group J action with a perfect 5-0 record.

Vaidas Kariniauskas finished with 15 points, including 2-of-2 from the three-point area; Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 14 points, Tadas Sedekerskis contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds, Ignas Brazdeikis had 11 points, Tomas Dimsa also had 11 and Eimantas Bendzius had 10.

Two other players finished with nine points each.

“We need to save our emotions and our effort for the next game. Just in two days, we’re starting the playoffs. Congratulations to my players, but we need to have short memory to prepare for the second game,” said Lithuania head coach Kazys Maksvytis in an interview posted at the official FIBA website.

His counterpart, Steve Kerr, admitted Lithaunia played a lot better than the United States.

“Great basketball game. Lithuania obviously just came out of the gates on fire, made their first nine threes, took it to us. I love the way our guys fought back, played much better in the second half, competed like crazy, gave it a really good run, but it wasn’t enough,” said Kerr.

“It’s a great game for us to experience. This is FIBA. There are great teams that have continuity, that understand what they are doing, they execute. Lithuania were brilliant tonight, they deserved to win.”

Anthony Edwards was the top scorer for the United States with 35 points on 14-of-26 shooting in 29 minutes.

“Luckily we get to play again, that’s all I’m thinking about,” said Edwards, a 6-4 shooting guards from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He was supported by Jalen Brunzon (14 points, seven assists)), Mikal Bridges (14 points) and Brandon Ingram ( 10 points).

Fan favorite Austin Reeves of the Los Angeles Lakers was limited to only seven points in 12 foul-plagued minutes.