A big final quarter from the home team delivered the victory for Lithuania, in the first of two games against the Australian Boomers.
The Boomers, with Andrew Bogut back in green and gold, took a 26-18 lead into the second quarter, before a surge from the Lithuanians tied the game at 41 points apiece at the half-time break.
A relentless effort from both sides ensures the scores were still locked heading into the final quarter. The final score 80-68 in the Lithuanian’s favour.
“This is the first competitive game for a few of our guys in two or three months and so it was always going to take a little bit of time just to find out rhythm,” said Boomers’ Coach, Andrej Lemanis. “That’s why we’re here – to find our rhythm and improve as a team.”
Brock Motum top-scored for the Boomers, with 19 points while David Andersen chimed in with 12. Boomers fans will be pleased that Dante Exum got good court time after he rolled his ankle playing for Utah in the NBA Summer League.
Game two is on Friday, in Siauliai. For any Australians looking to support the Boomers while in the area, tickets can be found here: www.krepsiniobilietai.lt
A full replay of the match can be found here:
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.