Alessandro Magro’s Vilnius Wolves Twinsbet (14-11) endured a dramatic loss in the Betsafe-LKL, falling 94–99 at home to a determined Kėdainiai Nevėžis-Optibet (8-17) team that continues to chase its playoff dreams.

This marked the fourth consecutive defeat for the Wolves.

Nevėžis-Optibet jumped out to an early lead (17:6), despite Arnoldas Kulboka's efforts to keep the Wolves in the game. While the gap slowly began to shrink (19:26), the visitors still held a solid advantage at the end of the first quarter – 35:22.

However, sharp shooting from Kristupas Žemaitis and Garrison Brooks quickly cut the deficit to just a couple of points (33:35). A continued barrage from beyond the arc then helped the Wolves seize the momentum and take the lead – 43:39. Nevėžis-Optibet’s offense stalled, allowing the hosts to enter halftime with a 49:45 advantage.

In the second quarter alone, the Wolves knocked down six three-pointers.

Nevėžis-Optibet started to fight back. Although they struggled to gain momentum early in the third quarter, a three-pointer by Jonas Zakas restored the lead for the visitors – 56:54. Vitalijus Kozys extended the margin (61:55), until G. Brooks and Tre’Shawn Thurman reminded of themselves with a three-pointer each – 68:66. After the third quarter, the Wolves were ahead 74:69.

Joseph Girard, back in the Kėdainiai lineup after a short absence, took over the leadership role. His three-pointers and a free throw tied the game (76:76), and together with Ed Croswell, he pushed Wolves Twinsbet into a corner – 87:81. A spurt pulled the Wolves back when it was most needed (88:88), but Croswell stepped up to the line, hit one free throw, and shortly after added another two points – 91:88.

Anthony Cowan’s and-one play brought the game level again (91:91), but Girard’s shot forced Magro to call a timeout – 94:91. With 51 seconds left, Nedas Montvila drained a three-pointer that practically sealed the deal.

The Wolves were without Andrew Andrews.

Wolves Twinsbet: Anthony Cowan 18 (20 eff.), Arnoldas Kulboka and Garrison Brooks (6 reb.) 15 each, Regimantas Miniotas 12 (7 reb.), Kristupas Žemaitis (5 ast.) and Tre’Shawn Thurman 9 each, Jeffery Taylor 8 (5 ast.), Marek Blaževič 6, Justinas Marcinkevičius 2.

Nevėžis-Optibet: Joseph Girard 23 (5/9 3PT), Vitalijus Kozys 21 (3/6 3PT, 10 reb., 30 eff.), Amit Ebo 15 (11 ast.).

(Photo by Elvis Žaldaris)