In a hard-fought playoff match for a spot in the Olympic semifinals, the Polish 3×3 basketball team suffered a disappointing 15-21 defeat to Lithuania. This marked their third loss to the Lithuanian team this year and their second in Paris, dashing Poland’s hopes for an Olympic medal.
The game was fiercely competitive from the outset, with Lithuania holding a slight advantage. Early scores saw Lithuania leading 5-3 and 7-5. By the 4th minute, a crucial two-point shot by Tokyo Olympian Przemysław Zamojski tied the game at 8-8.
Despite their determined efforts, Poland was unable to take the lead and found themselves constantly playing catch-up. Lithuania’s players were accurate from both long distance and close range, leading to scores of 12-10, 14-12, and eventually 18-14 with just over a minute left.
Poland’s offensive strategy struggled, particularly in getting the ball to U23 world champion Adrian Bogucki under the basket. Sarunas Vingelis of Lithuania clinched the victory, scoring the final three points.