The Ukrainian national team played their second friendly match as part of their preparation for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, facing Lithuania this time.
Ukraine started the game with ambition, but conceded an early basket from Tubelis. The team coached by Ainars Bagatskis responded quickly with a successful three-pointer from Ivan Tkachenko. However, after settling into the game, Lithuania pulled ahead midway through the first quarter, establishing a 22-14 lead that gave the hosts a psychological edge. Ukraine managed to reduce the deficit, and by the first break the score stood at 27-23 in favor of Lithuania.
At the beginning of the second quarter, Lithuania extended their lead to nine points (34-25). Yet, two consecutive three-pointers from Mykhailiuk brought Ukraine back into contention. With the score at 39-38, the teams called a timeout. Ukraine then caught up and overtook the Lithuanians when Tyrtyshnyk hit a long-range shot, putting Ukraine ahead 51-50. The remainder of the half saw a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads, and the first half ended tied at 55-55.
In the third quarter, Ukraine had to withstand strong pressure from Lithuania. After a timeout midway through the period, Ukraine went on a 9-2 run to gain a six-point advantage (74-68). A layup from Tkachenko in the final second of the quarter allowed Ukraine to head into the last break leading 77-74.
The final ten minutes proved tense for everyone involved. Despite Ukraine’s effective offense, Lithuania remained competitive even when trailing 75-84. However, Bagatskis’ team could not hold onto their nine-point lead as Lithuania responded with a 9-0 run, reigniting the contest in the closing minutes. Still, Ukraine stepped up on both ends of the floor to secure the win. Kovliar drew fouls and converted crucial free throws, while in the decisive seconds Andriy Voynalovych secured a rebound after a missed free throw by Brazdeikis, drew a foul himself, and made both free throws. Lithuania had no time left to mount a comeback, and Ukraine emerged victorious 96-92. This marked Ukraine’s first-ever win against Lithuania on their home court.
Ukraine’s next match will be on July 2 against Georgia in Riga.
Friendly Match
Lithuania – Ukraine 92:96 (27:23, 28:32, 19:22, 18:19)
Lithuania: Sargunas 2, Yakuchonis 12 + 10 assists, Buzelis 9 + 6 rebounds, Tubelis 28 + 8 rebounds + 3 assists, Valanciunas 16 + 13 rebounds – starters; Brazdeikis 6 + 4 rebounds + 4 assists, Blazevich 9 + 3 rebounds, Normantas 8, Radzevichus 2, Velichka 0.
Ukraine: Kovliar 23 + 8 rebounds + 3 assists, Tkachenko 10, Bobrov 2 + 5 rebounds + 3 assists, Mykhailiuk 26 + 4 steals, Skapintsev 6 + 8 rebounds + 4 assists – starters; Voynalovych 11 + 3 rebounds, Kobzystyi 9 + 3 rebounds, Lukashov 2 + 4 assists, Tyrtyshnyk 3, Klychko 2, Sypalo 2, Kovalov 0, Shelest 0.
