Russia and Lithuania seal London berths

Former European champions Russia and Lithuania have claimed two of the last three remaining berths in the men's basketball tournament at the 2012 London Games following their victories in the semifinals of the ongoing Olympic qualifying tournament. [Video: Injuries haunt Lithuania's basketball dreams]

The Russians overcame a stiff challenge from Nigeria to beat the west African nation 85-77 while Lithuania blew away the Dominican Republic 109-83 in the fiercely competitive 12-team tournament in Venezuela on Saturday.

The Nigerians and the Dominicans, who have been surprise packages in the event, will lock horns for the remaining Olympic slot.

Former Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko led the Russians with 19 points and eight rebounds.

"We worked very hard over the last two months and earned our spot in the Olympics," an overjoyed Kirilenko told the world basketball governing body's (FIBA) television. "Credit to the Nigerians, they are a very good team and made it difficult for us and we know that every team in the Olympics will be tough to beat," he said.

Reuters