CBet Jonava, coached by Mantas Šernius, showed great character and edged out Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius in a dramatic finish, winning 103–102 (21:30, 24:18, 26:25, 32:29) in the Lithuanian capital to take a 1-0 lead in the Betsafe-LKL quarterfinal series.
Jonava will have a chance to close out the best-of-three series at home on Monday. Should CBet claim victory again, they would repeat their stunning 2-0 sweep from 2023, when, under Virginijus Šeškus, they eliminated then-Alytus-based Wolves in a major upset.
In Game 1, Marek Blaževič led the way for the hosts, while Wolves Twinsbet leaned on a strong effort from the duo of Brandon Childress and Dominic Brewton (15 points apiece). The first quarter ended in Wolves' favor, capped off by a buzzer-beating three-pointer to build a 30–21 lead.
Jonava managed to cut the deficit to a single possession several times in the second quarter, but the Wolves always found a way to respond and regain the lead. However, momentum began to shift late in the first half, and by halftime, the visitors had narrowed the gap to just three points (48–45).
In the third quarter, both teams traded baskets in an offensive shootout. As a result, the Wolves couldn't pull away, and CBet Jonava struggled to catch up. In the final minute of the period, CBet finally managed to take the lead for the first time in a while (71–70), but it was short-lived — Andrew Andrews nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to put Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius back in front, 73–71.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Wolves looked ready to take control after a deep three from Arnoldas Kulboka gave them a 93–86 lead. But Jonava showed their trademark resilience. With three minutes remaining, Childress tied the game once again (95–95). Blaževič stepped up to put the hosts back on top, but Jonava had answers for each of his buckets (99–99). Then came a crucial and-one play from Brewton (102–99), followed by a strong defensive stop that sent Jonava back to the free-throw line. They converted one more free throw to make it 103–99.
Just when it seemed the game was over, league MVP Anthony Cowan drew a foul and calmly sank both free throws (101–103). After a defensive stop, the Wolves launched a fast break, and Regimantas Miniotas was fouled on a two-point attempt. However, the Vilnius captain couldn’t take the free throws, so Tre’Shawn Thurman stepped in. He made the first but missed the second (102–103). The hosts grabbed the offensive rebound and had a chance to win it, but Matas Jogėla's potential game-winning three missed the mark — and the victory belonged to the visitors.
Brewton was unstoppable in Game 1 of the playoffs. The American posted 27 points, 10 rebounds, and an eye-popping 40 efficiency rating. Brandon Childress added 21 points to help secure the impressive win.
On the other side, Blaževič dominated inside for Wolves Twinsbet. The big man tallied 24 points, 7 rebounds, and a 33 efficiency rating. Freshly crowned MVP Cowan recorded a double-double with 12 points, 11 assists, and a 20 efficiency rating.
Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius: Marek Blaževič 24, Andrew Andrews 16, Tre’Shawn Thurman 15, Arnoldas Kulboka 13, Anthony Cowan 12, Matas Jogėla and Jeffery Taylor 10 each, Regimantas Miniotas 2. Kristupas Žemaitis did not score; Justinas Marcinkevičius and Daniel Baslyk did not play (coach’s decision).
CBet Jonava: Dominic Brewton 27, Brandon Childress 21, Oskaras Pleikys 14.
Coaches’ comments
(Photo by Rokas Lukoševičius / LKL)