European champions Russia visited Panevezys to face bronze medalists Lithuania in one of the last preparation games before Eurobasket in Poland. Although both teams should be close to their best form, the game didn't live up to the expectations.
Mindaugas Lukauskis opened the scoring with a three pointer to please the crowd of his home town. This was followed by a 5-0 run made by Russia as the visitors took the lead. Turnovers are becoming a trademark of Lithuanian national team and this game was no different. The hosts managed to turn the ball over 12 times in the first quarter and yet were able take the lead 16-15 right before the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was a slight improvement for the home side. Lithuania won the quarter 21-11 and left the court for the half time break with an 8 point advantage.
Reigning European champions were not going to give as they started the third quarter with a 6-0 run thanks to 6 straight points from Vitaliy Fridzon. Russia took the lead in the middle of the third quarter but late comeback from Lithuanians tied the game at 52 before the final period.
Lithuania earned a 7 point lead at the start of the fourth quarter. Even though Russians came closer and the gap was reduced to 3 points. However, the hosts held on their lead to win a low scoring game 66-61.
66 – Lithuania – (16+21+15+14): Darjus Lavrinovic 15, Ksystof Lavrinovic 13, Robertas Javtokas 11, Linas Kleiza 6, Matas Kalnietis 6, Tomas Delininkaitis 5, Simas Jasaitis 5, Mindaugas Lukauskis 3, Jonas Maciulis 2.
61 – Russia – (18+11+23+9): Sergey Bykov 17, Vitaliy Fridzon 14, Sergey Monya 10, Tymofey Mazgov 9, Anton Ponkrashov 5, Kelly McCarty 3, Dmitry Sokolov 2.
