Evans makes productive return as Lietkabelis beat Sabonis-coached Lions in Kaunas

Keenan Evans marked his return from a serious injury by leading London Lions in scoring, but Lietkabelis began its preseason with an 89-83 victory in Kaunas.

Evans had been sidelined for 10 months before appearing for 13 minutes at the Žalgiris Arena. He scored 13 points, making two of four two-point attempts, one of two three-pointers and all six free throws. He also recorded a steal, drew four fouls and finished with 11 efficiency points.

Maxwell Lewis, another Žalgiris-owned player spending the coming season with the Lions on loan, scored eight points in 15 minutes. He added two rebounds and drew three fouls, but committed five himself.

Lietkabelis was led by Keondre Kennedy with 15 points after making all five of his three-point attempts. Alexander Schumacher added 13 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Miloš Iličius scored nine. The result came in a close game, with Lietkabelis leading 19-18 after the first quarter, trailing 43-46 at halftime, and moving ahead 70-66 after three periods.

The London team has a strong Lithuanian presence. Tautvydas Sabonis serves as head coach, assisted by Gintaras Krapikas and Vytautas Pliauga. Domantas Tautkus is the strength and conditioning coach, while Martynas Purlys and Gabrielius Liaudinskas work in the club administration. Joel Scott and Deane Williams scored 12 points each for the Lions, while Tarik Phillip added 11.