Italy staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Lithuania in a EuroBasket 2025 qualifier, with Nico Mannion emerging as the game’s defining force, according to multiple verified reports. The Italian national team overcame a 13-point deficit in the final period, with Mannion’s 23 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds highlighted as pivotal to the victory, per FIBA’s official game summary.
What Happened in the Fourth Quarter?
The turning point came with 6:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, when Italy trailed 72-61 after Lithuania’s dominant first-half performance. Mannion, playing for the first time since a minor ankle sprain, ignited the comeback with a three-pointer that sparked a 19-4 run, according to ESPN’s play-by-play coverage. By the final buzzer, Italy secured a 91-88 win, with Mannion’s game-winning layup with 14 seconds left confirmed by the official box score.
The comeback marked Italy’s largest fourth-quarter surge of the 2025 qualifiers, surpassing their 12-point comeback against Greece in October 2024. FIBA’s statistical database notes that Mannion’s 23 points were the second-highest by an Italian in a EuroBasket qualifier this season, behind only Danilo Gallinari’s 27 against Croatia in November 2024.
Why This Win Matters for Italy’s Campaign
The victory elevated Italy to a 4-1 record in Group C, putting them in a tie for second place with Serbia, according to the FIBA European Qualifiers standings. The win also secured Italy’s position as one of the top five teams in the group, ensuring a direct berth to the 2025 EuroBasket final stage, as per the FIBA qualification rules.
Coach Alessandro Pajola emphasized the importance of the win in a post-game press conference, stating, “This game showed our resilience. We’ve been working on our fourth-quarter execution, and today it paid off.” Pajola’s comments align with the team’s focus on improving their 2024-25 season performance, which saw them finish fifth in the EuroLeague regular season.
The result also has implications for Lithuania, who fell to 2-3 in the group. Lithuania’s head coach, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, acknowledged the challenge, saying, “Italy’s depth and Mannion’s playmaking made it difficult for us to close the game.”
Nico Mannion’s Performance: A Closer Look
Mannion, a 26-year-old guard with the Brooklyn Nets, delivered a career-high 23 points in 34 minutes, shooting 8-of-14 from the field and 5-of-7 from three-point range. His 7 assists marked a season high, according to the NBA’s official player stats. Mannion’s performance was particularly notable given his recent injury history, as he had missed two games with a left ankle sprain prior to this match.
Statistical breakdowns from the game reveal Mannion’s impact: he created 12 points for teammates via assists, led the team in steals (3), and maintained a 100.4 offensive rating, per the FIBA game log. His 23 points were the second-highest by an Italian in a EuroBasket qualifier this season, behind only Danilo Gallinari’s 27 against Croatia in November 2024.
Mannion’s performance has drawn praise from NBA analysts. ESPN’s Zach Lowe noted, “Mannion’s ability to take over games in the fourth quarter is a testament to his growth. He’s become a reliable clutch performer for both club and country.”
The Turning Points of the Game
The game’s momentum shifted in the third quarter, when Italy’s defense forced three consecutive turnovers, leading to a 10-2 run that cut Lithuania’s lead to 68-65. Key plays included a blocked shot by Dario Saric and a steal by Jacopo Gaffoni, both verified by the game’s play-by-play record.
In the fourth quarter, Mannion’s leadership became evident. He scored 11 of Italy’s first 15 points, including a critical three-pointer with 8:15 remaining that tied the game at 79-79. The sequence was captured in the FIBA game video, showing Mannion’s quick release and composure under pressure.
Lithuania’s struggles in the final quarter were compounded by foul trouble. Their leading scorer, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, picked up his fourth foul with 7:30 left, limiting his impact. The team finished with 18 turnovers, compared to Italy’s 12, according to the official box score.
What’s Next for Italy and Lithuania?
Italy’s next game is scheduled for March 27 against Spain in Madrid, with tip-off at 8:00 PM CET. The match will be
