Photo: FIBA

The Baltic Derby lived up to every expectation, delivering the intensity, drama, and atmosphere fans hoped for as Lithuania and Latvia clashed in front of 11,000 spectators.

Both teams felt the energy from the sold-out arena, with the noise rising to a fever pitch every time a key shot was made.

When it was all said and done, Lithuania emerged victorious, defeating the hosts 88-79 to punch their ticket to the Quarter-Finals, where they will face either Greece or Israel on Tuesday.

Latvia had its chances in the second half, closing the gap to single digits and threatening to change the game’s momentum. Midway through the third quarter, with Lithuania leading just 56-48, the Latvians had several opportunities to trim the deficit to two possessions.

But missed shots and turnovers prevented them from capitalizing. Lithuania responded decisively. Jonas Valanciunas delivered the dagger, converting an and-one just as the shot clock expired with only 1.7 seconds left.

That bucket stretched the lead back to double digits, silencing the Latvian push.

From there, Lithuania extended the advantage to +12 heading into the fourth, and although Latvia made a late push to cut it to seven, timely baskets from Azuolas Tubelis and Arnas Velicka sealed the win.

Velicka, in particular, rose to the occasion. Without starting point guard Rokas Jokubaitis, head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis needed a spark, and Velicka provided it.

He notched 21 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds, finishing with a game-high +15 while on the floor.

His all-around brilliance etched him into Lithuania’s record books: he became just the third Lithuanian ever to record 10+ assists in a EuroBasket knockout game, joining Sarunas Jasikevicius (2003) and Mantas Kalnietis (2015).

He also became the sixth Lithuanian in the last 30 years to post at least 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a EuroBasket knockout game.

To put his night in broader perspective, Velicka joined elite company with Mateusz Ponitka (2022 vs. Slovenia) and Luka Doncic (2025 vs. Belgium) as one of only three players in the last 30 years to tally 20+ points, 10+ assists, and 5+ rebounds in a EuroBasket matchup.

Lithuania’s dominance was also reflected in the numbers. Their halftime lead of 47-37 set the stage for victory, and history was on their side. Teams from Lithuania are now 29-0 in EuroBasket history when leading by 10 or more at halftime.

The win was significant in many ways. Lithuania returned to the Quarter-Finals for the first time since 2015, ending a drought that included disappointing exits in 2017 and 2022.

This marks their 12th appearance among the top eight in 16 EuroBasket campaigns, underlining the country’s consistent excellence on the European stage. Lithuania’s victory came through collective grit and smart adjustments.

Even without Jokubaitis, they relied on versatile lineups, with forwards like Tubelis and Tadas Sedekerskis often switching onto Latvian guard Arturs Zagars to disrupt pick-and-roll plays with Kristaps Porzingis.

That defensive flexibility neutralized Latvia’s usual strengths. The fans, too, played their part. With supporters from both nations filling the arena, the noise and passion created a truly unique derby atmosphere.

Lithuanian fans cheered relentlessly, pushing their team forward, while Latvian supporters gave their players a heartfelt standing ovation long after the final buzzer, proud of their fight.

For Latvia, the night was bittersweet. Porzingis put on a Herculean performance with 34 points and 19 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to carry his team past their Baltic rivals.

“Arnas Velicka gave us exactly what we needed,” Kurtinaitis said postgame. “He stepped up like a true leader when the pressure was highest.”

The Baltic Derby once again proved why it is one of the most anticipated matchups in European basketball, combining passion, history, and world-class performances into a game fans will remember.

Lithuania moves on with momentum, while Latvia bows out with heads held high.

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