EUROBASKET 2011

Sarunas Jasikevicius and Lithuania face a big test on Friday against in-form Turkey

Spain v Great Britain - Friday at 15:15 (14:15 CET)

Unbeaten Spain go into Friday's Group A showdown against winless Great Britain with some trepidation.

The last time both sides met in EuroBasket 2009, Chris Finch's side came mighty close to causing the Spaniards a major upset.

Spain prevailed, though, 84-76.

Mike Lenzly and Nate Reinking, two players that caused major headaches to Spain in that game, are here in Lithuania.

"I remember the game two years ago," said Spain's Rudy Fernandez. "It was very close.

"Great Britain are a good team and played well against Lithuania.

"They have new players in the team so we expect to be tested."

one of those players is Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng, who missed the tournament two years
ago through injury.

Deng has led the Brits in scoring in their back-to-back defeats to Lithuania and Turkey.

Britain will be desperate to make amends for their poor showing on Thursday.

They were hammered 90-61 by Turkey while unbeaten Spain brushed aside neighbours Portugal 87-73.

Portugal v Poland - Friday at 17:45 (16:45 CET)

Portugal and Poland go in search of their first win of the tournament when the two sides square off on Friday in Panevezys.

Mario Palma's men fell to Spain on Thursday having previously lost to Turkey in their opener.

"We never expected to win against Turkey or Spain," said guard Antonio Tavares, who led Portugal
with 17 points against Spain.

"But the game against Poland is vital for us and we are going out with the intention to win.

"We showed some improvement against Spain so that was positive."

Poland, meanwhile, will have to put their 97-77 loss to Lithuania behind them.

Ales Pipan's men were outrebounded 41-19 and will have to do a better job on the boards if they are to prevail against Portugal.

Turkey v Lithuania - Friday at 21:00 (20:00 CET)

Turkey and Lithuania meet on Friday in a battle of unbeatens.

The Turks go into the contest on the back having rollled over Great Britain but expect to be put to the test by the tournament hosts.

"The game against Lithuania will be our first big challenge," said Turkey captain Hedo Turkoglu.

"It's going to be a tough game.

"Lithuania have the home court advantage and have a good side so we need to be ready."

Kesturis Kemzura's Lithuania go into the encounter in buoyant mood after their 97-77 triumph over Poland on Thursday.

Lithuania were an impressive 36 of 52 (69%) from the floor in that game and will need to keep up that shooting efficiency if they are to upset Turkey.