Lithuania hold off furious rally to beat Brazil in basketball

Despite a furious late rally sparked by NBA guard Leandro Barbosa, host Brazil could not complete an amazing comeback Sunday, falling 82-76 to Lithuania at the Rio Olympics.

Barbosa scored a game-high 21 points and together with 14 points from Raul Neto and 11 points and eight rebounds from center Nene Hilario -- both also NBA standouts -- nearly brought Brazil back after falling behind 68-39 early in the second half.

Barbosa's 3-point play trimmed Lithuania's lead to 70-52 entering the fourth quarter as a packed house of loudly cheering supporters tried to will their favorites back into the game.

Barbosa had nine points and Hilario added eight in a 18-2 Brazil run to pull within 70-58, and it was an inside hoop by Barbosa that pulled the Brazilians within 75-71 with two minutes remaining.

But Lithuania answered on a 3-point play by Domantas Sabonis. After an exchange of free throws, Marcus Marquinhos sank three free throws to lift Brazil within 80-76, but Mantas Kalnietis sank two final free throws to seal Brazil's fate.

Kalnietis led Lithuania with 16 points and eight assists. Paulius Jankunas added 15 points and seven rebounds for the winners in the Group B preliminary round opener.