After losing the first warm-up game against Slovenia 70-72 the hosts of EuroBasket 2011 pleased their fans with a comfortable win over Division B side Czech Republic.
The Czechs played their third preparation game and it was a tough test against Lithuania in Klaipeda.
The game took place in a newly built Svyturio Arena which was again sold out. The venue will host Group D games during EuroBasket 2011.
Coach Kemzura rested five players against Slovenia since there are still 17 players fighting for the last 12 spots. Those who rested on Thursday were given the chance to prove themselves against Czech Republic.
It was 19-year-old Jonas Valanciunas who made his debut for the national team. The recent U-19 World Champion and MVP didn’t have any troubles adjusting to men’s game as he finished the game with a double-double – 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Sarunas Jasikevicius made his return to the international stage after two years of absence. Saras was the only true point guard on the roster since Mantas Kalnietis was rested. The 35-year-old veteran was close to double-double with 11 points and 8 assists.
The visitors were without their best player Jan Vesely but they still managed to match Lithuania for the most part of the first half. Kemzura wanted to give a chance to all of the players that he had on the bench therefore the rotation was rather intense.
Although the game was close for a large part of the game, the hosts pulled away in the fourth quarter and grabbed a rather easy win 94-73.
Kestutis Kemzura will name three players who will leave the team later tonight.
Lithuania will play two away games next week – against Russia and Spain.
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