Russia moves one game closer to a gold medal as they defeat Lithuania 83-74 in the opening games on the 2012 men's basketball quarterfinal of the London Games.
Andrei Kirilenko led the Russians in scoring with 19 points and teammate Timofey Mozgov contributed 17 points to help lead the team to victory.
Though Lithuania kept the game close through three quarters, Russia remained in control throughout the entire game.
Russia recorded more assists throughout the game with 24 in comparison to Lithuania's 15, and they gave up less turnovers limiting their mistakes to only 11.
Russia pulled away in the fourth quarter with good shooting and defense outscoring Lithuania 29-24.
Russia now moves on as one of the final four teams remaining.
Lithuania was led in scoring by Rimantas Kaukenas who had 19 points, followed by teammate Darius Songaila with 15.
Though Lithuania shot 42 percent from the three-point line and 73 percent at the free throw line, costly fouls proved to be the deciding factor of the game.
Lithuania committed 28 fouls and 14 turnovers throughout the game, thus helping Russia maintain the slim lead.
Lithuania was still within five in the final minute, but missed two free throws and Russia ended the game on a 6-0 run.
