7bet-Lietkabelis Panevėžys (15–14) defeated Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (16–13) for the fifth time this Betsafe-LKL season — this time in front of Chicago Bulls prospect Matas Buzelis, who attended the game.
Nenad Čanak’s team earned a hard-fought 92–88 win on the road (18–21, 27–25, 24–21, 23–21), a result that temporarily secures CBet Jonava (17 wins) in third place in the standings.
The lead changed hands an impressive 28 times throughout the game.
Panevėžys has alternated wins and losses since March 15, and today’s result follows that trend. For the Wolves, it marks another loss in what has become a troubling streak — 7 straight defeats against 7bet-Lietkabelis, including the Citadele KMT bronze-medal game and last season’s Betsafe-LKL third-place series.
The game opened with a flurry of missed shots, but the hosts, who won the opening tip, looked more confident early on. Marek Blaževič delivered a powerful dunk over Paulius Danusevičius to set the tone (6–2). Although Lietkabelis found rhythm offensively, baskets by Blaževič and Jeffery Taylor kept the Wolves narrowly ahead (11–7).
Following a timeout, Oleksandr Kovliar hit back-to-back threes, while Tre’Shawn Thurman responded with 5 straight points, trimming the margin to one (16–15). Jeffery Taylor then beat the buzzer with a three-pointer to end the quarter with the Wolves up 21–18.
Wolves Twinsbet started the second quarter stronger, with their big men scoring efficiently from inside (27–21). However, Grantas Vasiliauskas entered the game with high energy and cut into the lead (29–30). Garrison Brooks nailed his 10th three-pointer of the season, but Gabrielius Maldūnas answered with a quick two to give the visitors the lead (34–33). Lietkabelis then drained three consecutive triples, and the lead switched seven more times before the half. A final exchange of two-pointers left the Wolves narrowly ahead at the break – 46–45.
At the beginning of the third quarter, the game continued similarly, with almost every possession, the lead changed hands, while both offenses struggled to find rhythm. Tre’Shawn Thurman was called for a technical foul, and although Oleksandr Kovliar missed the ensuing free throw, Lietkabelis took the lead (52–50).
Arnoldas Kulboka responded with four quick points, Mantas Rubštavičius added a three-pointer, and a midrange shot from a previously quiet Anthony Cowan tied the game again (57–57). Both teams found more offensive consistency as the quarter progressed, and Gabrielius Maldūnas knocked down his eighth career Betsafe-LKL three-pointer to give Panevėžys a slim advantage – 69–67.
The final quarter opened with four straight points from the visitors, allowing 7bet-Lietkabelis to build their largest lead of the night (73–67). Still, Marek Blaževič stayed aggressive on offense, and Andrew Andrews, who had scored only from the free-throw line until then, helped pull the Wolves even once again (75–75). Kovliar nailed another triple, but Andrews finally started scoring from the field, giving the Wolves the edge (80–78). A two-plus-one play by Blaževič pushed the lead to 83–80.
However, Paulius Danusevičius caught fire, and the visitors quickly regained the lead (85–83). Maldūnas added another bucket, while Cowan and Rubštavičius both fouled out in quick succession (87–83). After a timeout, Đorđe Gagić scored under the rim, and Andrews drained a clutch three (87–89). On the next possession, Andrews drew a shooting foul but missed one of his free throws (88–89).
Forced to foul, the Wolves sent Džiugas Slavinskas to the line. He missed one free throw but recovered the offensive rebound himself. Kovliar then iced the game at the stripe with his composure (92–88), securing Lietkabelis’ fourth win in as many games against Wolves this season.
Oleksandr Kovliar delivered a standout performance for the visitors, recording a double-double with 23 points (3/5 2PT, 3/8 3PT, 8/9 FT), 10 assists, and an impressive 33 efficiency rating in what was arguably his best LKL game of the season.
Panevėžys played without Danielius Lavrinovičius and injured Vytenis Lipkevičius.
Despite a brilliant performance from Marek Blaževič, who posted 19 points (6/7 2PT, 7/12 FT), 7 rebounds, and a 27 efficiency rating, it wasn’t enough for the Wolves.
„Wolves Twinsbet“ played without Vaidas Kariniauskas, Daniel Baslyk, and Matas Jogėla. Justinas Marcinkevičius was registered for the game but did not get his chance to play.
„Wolves Twinsbet“: Marek Blaževič 19, Andrew Andrews 15, Jeffery Taylor 12, Arnoldas Kulboka 11, Tre'Shawn Thurman 10, Garrison Brooks 9, Regimantas Miniotas, Anthony Cowan, and Kristupas Žemaitis 4 each. Justinas Marcinkevičius did not play by the coach's decision.
„7bet-Lietkabelis“: Oleksandr Kovliar 23, Dovis Bičkauskis, Mantas Rubštavičius, and Martynas Varnas 11 each.
Coaches' comments
(Photo by Saulius Čirba)