BANGKOK (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Lithuania defeated Brazil 69-65 on Saturday, to close the proceedings of the preliminary round, but their margin of victory was not good enough to stop the South Americans from taking the top position in Group B.

Lithuania, Brazil and the Czech Republic all ended their preliminary round with a 2-1 record. Brazil finished ahead of the Czechs and Lithuania – in that order – by virtue of better goal average.

Lithuania led throughout, and by 12 points going into the changing rooms, but Brazil fought back especially in the fourth quarter to keep the margin of defeat down.

Lithuanian Marina Solopova spent the longest time on court and was the most hardworking player and deservingly led the scoring for the game with a staggering 31 points.

Gabriele Gutkauskaite contributed 12 points.

Tatiane Nacimento was the highest scorer for Brazil with 15 points and Leila Zabani had 12 points.

FIBA