Lithuanians didn’t manage to get off to a start they wanted. Oleksandar Prokopenko scored ten points in the first six minutes and was the key to Ukraine leading the way at the beginning of the first quarter. However, Lithuanians went on an 8-0 lead to take over at the driver’s seat and already had a 19-13 advantage.
A stretch of successful basketball capped by Vytenis Cizauskas’ points finally gave the hosts a double-digit lead at 36-25.
Edgaras Ulanovas’ triple allowed team Lithuania to go up by 14 points (45-31), but the Ukrainian side answered back with successful long-range shooting and got within eight points.
This was as close as the guests go as Kazys Maskvytis’ team went on an 18-8 run that saw Lithuania increase the advantage to 24 at one point and cruise to a victory in the opening game.
Edgaras Ulanovas led Lithuania’s winning effort with 18 points and 7 rebounds, Jonas Valanciunas contributed with 16 points and 7 boards and Vytenis Cizauskas fisnished the game with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Deividas Pukis was also efficient with 11 points, 8 boards and 5 dimes as Zygimantas Skucas added 9.
