KAUNUS, Lithuania--"We love to be in this situation because we have nothing to lose," Macedonia star Bo McCalebb said before Wednesday's Eurobasket surprise win against Lithuania.
McCalebb was correct to have such a freewheeling attitude, as he ended up saving Macedonia all night long. He willed 23 points into the basket. Every time Lithuania got a small lead, he had another Sonic the Hedgehog-like driving lay-up.
But when McCalebb finally missed, Vlado Ilievski was there with a three-pointer that could be the biggest shot in Macedonian basketball history. Most importantly today, that shot put Macedonia ahead of Lithuania for good in a 67-65 victory.
Host Lithuania absolutely owned the lane, with over twenty made shots in the paint. That didn't help them when McCalebb's final shot ricocheted around the court, ending back in his hands. Ilievski received a bounce-pass from McCalebb, hitting his game-winning trey at the :11 mark.
The two sides that ultimately reach the EuroBasket Final will earn trips to the London Games while the ones that come in third, fourth, fifth and sixth will be invited to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
A McCalebb flip shot cut the Lithuanian lead to one, at 62-61, with under ninety seconds remaining.
Lithuania answered immediately. Paulius Jankunas received a pass at the free throw line, made a rim-teasing lay-up, and was fouled. His bonus shot put Lithuania up 65-61.
Again, McCalebb responded. Going to the left this time, he converted a shot, then crumpled under the basket from contact. No foul, and FYR of Macedonia trailed by two.
Both teams made mental errors as time ticked under 1:00. Lithuania missed a shot, and though Macedonia had three yellow jerseys beneath the hoop, Jankunas snuck in and grabbed the rebound.
Perhaps confused as to how they were going to reset the offense, Lithuania gave the ball back to Macedonia in a scramble.
That Lithuania turnover set up Ilievski's clutch shot. Many in the sellout crowd, overwhemingly for the home favorites, held their heads in disbelief. Fouled with a half-second to go, Vlado Ilievski sealed the win. He made the first shot, then purposely flubbed the second. Lithuania had no chance to gather for a full-court toss.
FYR of Macedonia is assured of no less than a berth in the Olympic qualifying tournament. But their immediate plans include a game against Spain in the Eurobasket semifinals. Spain creamed Slovenia in the early game Wednesday.
On Thursday, Sept 15th, France meets Greece, and undefeated Russia will match-up with Serbia.
Chris DeBrie - Chris DeBrie has written for "The Appalachian", Examiner, and The 12th Man. He is the author of several novels.
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