EUROBASKET 2011

Turning Point: Lithuania trailed 16-13 after six minutes but scored nine straight points as part of a 20-6 run to take command.

Game Hero: Lithuania's Mantas Kalnietis had 12 first-half points and finished with a game-high 19. He was perfect from the floor and had just a single miss from two attempts at the line.

Stats Don't Lie: Lithuania were an impressive 36 of 52 (69%) from the floor. Poland were outrebounded 41-19.

Mantas Kalnietis pulled off a jaw-dropping performance to fire tournament hosts Lithuania to a 97-77 victory over Poland at the EuroBasket on Thursday.

The Zalgiris Kaunas guard poured in 10 of his game-high 19 points in the first quarter.

He finished perfect from the floor and had just a single miss from two attempts at the line.

To add to his impressive night, Kalnietis hauled down six rebounds, dished out six assists and came up with one steal.

Lithuania also got a big contribution from Darius Songaila, who had 12 first-half points and finished with 14.

Despite Kalnietis delivering eight of his team's opening 13 points, Lithuania trailed 16-13 after six minutes.

Sparked by the crowd at the Panevezys Arena, Kestutis Kemzura's men tightened up on the defensive end and reeled off nine straight points to spark a 20-6 run for a 33-22 lead early in the second quarter.

The Poles trailed by 16 points (51-35), and clawed the deficit to just 8 early in the third quarter but got no closer.

Thomas Kelati led Poland with 16 points.

Lithuania are now 2-0 after their opening triumph over Great Britain and take on Turkey tomorrow in a battle of unbeatens in Group A.

The Poles, beaten in their opener by Spain, face Portugal with both sides seeking their first win in the tournament.