Šiauliai knock out Estonian champions and advance to trophy final

Šiauliai began the A. Mikšys Cup with a 109-99 victory over Tartu Ülikool and earned a place in the final against VEF Riga.

The Estonian champions controlled the opening quarter, but Šiauliai changed the game in the second. The home side scored 37 points in that period and went into halftime with a 59-49 lead. Its outside shooting made the difference, with Šiauliai converting 10 of 16 three-point attempts before the break, compared with six from 16 for Ülikool.

Šiauliai remained in control after halftime and built a 104-82 advantage late in the game. A slight loss of focus allowed Ülikool to reduce the margin, but the hosts still finished with a 10-point win.

Cedric Henderson led Šiauliai with 22 points in 20.5 minutes, adding three rebounds, one steal and one assist. Captain Martynas Pacevičius scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds, falling one rebound short of a double-double. Mike Caffey, making his first appearance in a Šiauliai jersey, contributed nine assists and six points.

Šiauliai will face VEF Riga in the final at 6:30 p.m. The third-place game between Kėdainiai Nevėžis and Ülikool is scheduled for 4 p.m.