The BC Wolves (16-8) of Vilnius strengthened their grip on third place in the Betsafe-LKL regular season when the troops of Nedas Pacevičius’ students won at home 100:88 (27:25, 20:24, 27:14, 26:25) against Uniclub Casino – Juventus (13-10) – by doing so they were able to distance from the visitors from Utena in the standings, while also securing tie-break advantage in the regular season.
The first half of the match was filled with high intensity and frequent lead changes from both squads. After the first quarter, the home team led by 2 points (27:25), and then after the second quarter, the visitors had the same slim margin (49:47).
After the break, the Wolves stepped up on their defensive efforts and increased their ball pressure. They broke away for the first time with a double-digit lead (70:58). At the end of the third quarter, three missed FT attempts by Kristupas Žemaitis prevented his team from pulling away even further – keeping the score at 74:63. Midway in the 4Q, Utena’s basketball players managed to get closer (82:87), but the home team responded and quelled the run, ensuring the victory in the final minutes.
Captain Regimantas Miniotas led Vilnius to victory, scoring 19 points, snagging 6 rebounds and collecting 22 utility points. He was well supported by four of the imports – Jeffery Taylor, Christian Mekowulu, Rasheed Sulaimon, and Garrison Brooks each scored 15 points.
K. Žemaitis notched a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists.
BC Wolves: Regimantas Miniotas 19, Jeffery Taylor, Christian Mekowulu, Rasheed Sulaimon, and Garrison Brooks 15 each, Kristupas Žemaitis 10, Tre’shawn Thurman 7, Eigirdas Žukauskas 4. Vaidas Kariniauskas, Arnas Beručka, and Vitalijs Kozys played but went scoreless.
Uniclub Casino – Juventus: Ryan Taylor 20, TJ Starks 15, Ivan Vraneš 13.
(Photo: Rokas Lukoševičius)
