Lithuania Stunned by Iceland in FIBA World Cup Qualifier Upset
Reykjavik, Iceland – In a stunning upset, Lithuania fell to Iceland 87-86 on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Laugardalshöll. The defeat throws Lithuania’s qualification chances for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup into jeopardy.
Dramatic Finish Sees Iceland Claim Victory
Despite leading for much of the game, with a peak advantage of 21 points, Lithuania faltered in the final minutes. Elvar Fridriksson of Iceland delivered a game-winning shot as the buzzer sounded, securing a memorable victory for the home team. Fridriksson finished with 34 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter.
Atmosphere Fuels Icelandic Comeback
The game was played in front of a packed Laugardalshöll arena, with a capacity of 2,300 spectators. Reports indicate a strong contingent of Lithuanian fans traveled to support their team, but the fervent home crowd played a significant role in Iceland’s comeback. The atmosphere was described as exceptional by Icelandic journalists.
Kurtinaitis Downplays Disaster, Focuses on Recovery
Lithuania’s head coach, Rimas Kurtinaitis, remained composed after the loss, stating, “There was no collapse, everything was okay.” He emphasized the team’s effort and acknowledged that sometimes a team can play well and still lose. Kurtinaitis highlighted a similar situation in a previous game against Great Britain, where a large lead was almost relinquished, and noted the importance of maintaining focus for the full 40 minutes.
Žalgiris Players and Roster Concerns
The availability of players from Žalgiris Kaunas is a key concern for Lithuania moving forward. Discussions are underway regarding the potential participation of Ąžuolas Tubelis in the next qualifying game. Kurtinaitis expressed a desire to have Tubelis available, but acknowledged the club’s priorities and the necessitate for a collaborative solution. Sylvainas Francisco is confirmed to play in both upcoming games with France.
Islandic Resilience: A Rising Force in Basketball?
Kurtinaitis praised Iceland’s performance, noting their consistent shooting throughout the game and their unwavering determination. He acknowledged Iceland’s growth as a basketball nation, drawing parallels to their success in football. He emphasized the importance of the team’s fighting spirit and their ability to capitalize on opportunities.
FAQ
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: Iceland 87, Lithuania 86.
Q: Who scored the winning basket for Iceland?
A: Elvar Fridriksson.
Q: Where was the game played?
A: Laugardalshöll, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Q: What is the significance of this game for Lithuania?
A: The loss jeopardizes Lithuania’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Q: What did coach Kurtinaitis say about the loss?
A: He downplayed it as not a disaster, emphasizing the team’s effort and the unpredictable nature of the game.
Did you know? Iceland’s victory is considered one of the biggest in the nation’s basketball history.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye on Elvar Fridriksson – his performance in this game signals a rising star in Icelandic basketball.
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