Lithuania's National Basketball Team Loses Crucial Warm-Up Match

The Lithuanian national basketball team suffered a narrow 92-96 defeat against Ukraine in their sole control match before the decisive phase of the World Cup qualifiers. The game, held in a packed Šiauliai Arena, highlighted areas for improvement as the team prepares for critical upcoming matches.

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We lost, but it was our first game. It's normal that there won't be quality yet. Of course, we lacked shooting, we need to make free throws. They seemed to run faster, do everything faster. They are not playing their first game, so it's completely normal, we have new players. I won't say anything more here. We need to go train and improve everything. We need to hit shots, score more points, and that's it.

Azuolas Tubelis emerged as the top scorer of the game, netting 28 points with efficient shooting from two-point range and solid free-throw performance. He also contributed significantly with 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 assists. His dominant display overshadowed the debuts of NBA-based players, Kasparas Jakučionis and Matas Buzelis.

Jakučionis, who recently completed his NBA season, impressed by recording a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists, alongside 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Tubelis acknowledged the new players' potential but stressed the need for time to integrate them into the team. He also noted the intensity of European basketball, which might be a new experience for some.

“

Good impression. I saw how they look in training, but we haven't played together yet. All our NBA players are very good, they just need time. These games were definitely a good experience for those who haven't played European basketball in Europe, because now they understand that nothing will be easy here. They are professionals, they will fix everything themselves and everything will be fine.

Matas Buzelis had a less impactful debut, scoring 9 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in 23 minutes. Tubelis described Buzelis as having more talent and a higher jump, predicting he would become unstoppable with further development. The team's focus now shifts to their upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Great Britain in Klaipėda and a rematch against Italy in Bologna.

“

He is lighter than me, so he jumps higher. He also has more talent. He will improve a few things and then he will be unstoppable.