Tubelis sets records in narrow loss to Estonia

Lithuania suffered a narrow 108-110 overtime defeat to Estonia in their first friendly match, a hard-fought contest that saw the team rally from a significant deficit. Despite the loss, forward Azuolas Tubelis delivered a standout performance, scoring a personal-best 29 points and setting four new national team records in minutes played, points scored, free throws made, and fouls drawn. Tubelis, however, downplayed his individual success, stressing the importance of team play and focusing on future improvements.

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This is a friendly match, these are just numbers. We can talk about how many free throws we both missed, not just how many points I scored. I feel like any other player, I don't want to elevate myself. I will play for the team.

"This is a friendly match, these are just numbers," Tubelis stated, deflecting individual accolades. "We can talk about how many free throws we both missed, not just how many points I scored. I feel like any other player, I don't want to elevate myself. I will play for the team." He added that he utilized his strengths effectively, drawing fouls from the Estonian defense.

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They made the last shot, which we could have also made. It's a friendly match. The coach mentioned many small details that can be corrected, and we will try to fix them. We will forget this loss and move on.

The game was decided by a last-second shot from Kristjan Kullamae, a former leader for Panevėžys Lietkabelis. Tubelis acknowledged the close nature of the game, noting that Lithuania could have also made the final shot. He also addressed a moment where he appeared to be injured after an Estonian player stepped on his ankle, assuring that he was able to continue playing.

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I ran on a fast break, I fell, I got up and ran, and then I played again. If something had happened, I wouldn't be able to play.

Despite the loss, Tubelis found positives in the team's fighting spirit, particularly their ability to overcome a 12-point deficit. He highlighted the effort of all players on the court, acknowledging that with many new additions to the team, not everyone might perform at their peak, but emphasized that everyone is giving 100%. The team's schedule includes three more games in four days, with a match against the University of Arizona team upcoming.

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That we fought. We had a 12-point deficit, but we came back in a few minutes. Everyone who stepped on the court... I don't know, maybe not everyone succeeds, because we still have many newcomers. But everyone gives 100% and everything is fine.