Pocius proud of Lithuania

MartynasPocius_high_s

Lithuania's World Cup campaign came to an end on Thursday, bowing out to favourites Team USA 96-68 in Barcelona.

The Europeans only dropped one game en route to the final-four, losing to Australia in their third match in Group D.

Pocius said USA were just too good, though Lithuania could still take plenty away from the match as they prepare to face either France or Serbia in the third-place play-off.

"They make you play their style of game. That's the beauty of that team," Pocius told reporters.

"I think we did very well coming to the semi-finals, but our most important game will be on Saturday."

Lithuania coach Jonas Kazlauskas also switched his attention to Saturday's bronze-medal match.

"It should be forgotten as soon as possible to prepare for this game and others," he said.

"Waiting for the fight for third place and the need to play better."

Meanwhile, Pocius said he is unsure what caused the post-game skirmish between USA and Lithuania.

Tensions threatened to boil over at the end of the first half when DeMarcus Cousins attempted to punch Jonas Valanciunas, and USA coach Mike Krzyzewski was then forced to step in and defuse tempers after the match.

"That really was not necessary. I do not know what happened there, and very unfortunate that it came out," Pocius said.

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