LONDON (AP) — Andrei Kirilenko scored 19 points, Timofey Mozgov added 17 and Russia, dismissed as a medal contender coming into the Olympics, moved into the semifinals of the men’s basketball tournament with an 83-74 win over Lithuania on Wednesday.
The Russians were given little chance of being among the tournament’s final four teams, but they’ll play the France-Spain quarterfinal winner in Friday’s semis — one win from a shot at gold.
After trailing by 14, Lithuania was within six in the fourth when Sergei Monya hit a 3-pointer for Russia, and Kirilenko, who signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer, converted a three-point play with 1:42 remaining.
Lithuania was still within five in the final minute, but missed two free throws and Russia ended the game on a 6-0 run.
Rimantas Kaukenas scored 19 and Darius Songaila 15 for Lithuania, which has not won a medal since getting bronze in 2000.
