Vilnius Wolves Twinsbet concluded the four-team tournament in the Latvian capital with a victory, defeating Rigas Zelli 93:91 (18:29, 28:25, 26:19, 21:18) in the final to claim their title in this first-ever international competition.
Ahead of the final, in the semi-finals, the Vilnius team overcame Latvian champions VEF Riga 80:76 to complete their pre-season series. In preparation for the upcoming season, they also secured wins against Rostock Seawolves (83:56), Pärnu Sadam (110:60), and Klaipėda Neptūnas (96:89 after overtime).
Rigas Zelli came out strong, hitting six three-pointers early in the game and extending their lead to 8 points (17:9) midway through the quarter. They later stretched the margin to double digits, 29:18, as the Lithuanian visitors struggled with their shooting.
At the start of the second quarter, Rigas Zelli led by a game-high 13 points (34:21). After a layup by Regimantas Miniotas, the Vilnius coach called a timeout to regroup the players, who were having difficulty breaking through Wolves Twinsbet's defense. Midway through the quarter, the visitors cut the deficit to single digits (34:26), but the home team's sharpshooters responded with four consecutive three-pointers, pushing the lead back to 48:35.
A couple of minutes before halftime, Matas Jogėla and Anthony Cowan made crucial long-range shots to close the gap to 5 points (43:48). The teams went into the break with Rigas Zelli leading 54:46.
In the second half, the Wolves Twinsbet came out more aggressive on both offense and defense. A three-pointer from Cowan tied the game, and Kristupas Žemaitis put the Vilnius team ahead as the third quarter progressed. After a dunk by another Wolves player, the visitors took a 5-point lead (70:65). However, by the end of the quarter, the hosts regained a narrow lead at 73:72.
Marekas Blaževičius contributed with two baskets early in the fourth quarter, prompting the Rigas Zelli coach to call a timeout (76:73). The Wolves maintained their slim lead for a while. Midway through the quarter, Jogėla hit a three-pointer and followed up with a couple of free throws, allowing Wolves Twinsbet to pull away to 85:76.
Rigas Zelli mounted a comeback, with their long-range shooters narrowing the gap to 90:85, forcing Vilnius' coach Alessandro Magro to call a timeout. The visitors' situation worsened, and with less than two minutes remaining, Rigas Zelli tied the game at 90:90.
Andrew Andrews then hit a critical three-pointer. Though the home team reduced the deficit with a free throw and 36 seconds left, Wolves Twinsbet held on. Despite missing a successful offensive opportunity, they avoided further trouble, with the final three seconds passing without Rigas Zelli scoring again.
During the awards ceremony, before the presentation of the winner's trophy, Wolves Twinsbet's Andrew Andrews was named the tournament's MVP.
In the final, Vilnius Wolves Twinsbet were without Tre'Shawn Thurman, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury.
"Wolves Twinsbet: Anthony Cowan 21, Andrew Andrews 18, Matas Jogėla 17, Garrison Brooks 12, Kristupas Žemaitis and Marek Blaževičius 8, Vaidas Kariniauskas 5, Regimantas Miniotas 2, Jeffery Taylor and Daniel Baslyk 1.
Roberts Beržins scored 26 points and Justin McKoy added 18 for Rigas Zelli.
The Wolves will start the new season on 22 September at Twinsbet Arena against visiting Jonava CBet.
(Photo: Mārtiņš Goldbergs)