Onat Masterclass Powers Türkiye Past Lithuania
Kaan Onat delivered a commanding performance to steer Türkiye to a 67-61 win over Lithuania at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket.
Türkiye held a slender 37-34 lead at halftime, but established firm control by entering the fourth quarter with a commanding 55-40 advantage, fuelled by a decisive 18-6 third-quarter run that swung the game's momentum.
Despite shooting just 28% from three-point range (5/18), Türkiye's overall field goal percentage of 44% (27/61) and 14 assists proved too much for Lithuania, who struggled at 29% shooting (20/68) and committed 15 turnovers. Lithuania did see a double-double from Mantas Juzenas (11 points, 11 rebounds) and 20 points from their bench, but it wasn't enough.
Onat's double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds, complemented by Salih Altuntas's 10 points and three blocks, proved pivotal. Türkiye managed the game's closing stages effectively, holding off a late Lithuanian surge that narrowed the gap to six points.
This victory serves as a significant statement for Türkiye in the tournament, showcasing their resilience and ability to execute under pressure.