Laimonas Eglinskas’ trainees defeated the guests 86:83 (26:23, 14:19, 17:23, 27:18).
In the series up to three wins, “Juventus” leads 2-0. The Utena team will have a chance to advance to the final in Klaipėda on June 1st.
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Although the game was won, in the second quarter the Utena team had a 17-point deficit (44:61). However, they managed to erase it.
“Coming back from a 17-point deficit showed what kind of group of men I am working with. We have huge respect for Evaldas Šaulys, who today attended his grandfather’s funeral and then came to the game. The third and fourth quarters were in his hands. He defended, he scored. It is an incredible feeling to have such people. I can’t imagine how I could lose with them,” said L. Eglinskas after the game.
The packed Utena arena experienced an explosion of emotions in the very first minutes. Four consecutive “Juventus” three-pointers metaphorically lifted the roof, and “Neptūnas” was sent into a knockout.
However, the basketball players from the port city quickly erased the deficit and took control into their hands, which they maintained for most of the game.
“For most coaches, such games are not fun. I am no exception. When you build an early lead, you get emotionally drained, you are in such an arena. We celebrated every shot as if it was decisive. In three minutes we gave away the emotions.
“Neptūnas” took advantage of that. They want to be in the final. They fought and made contact. They came back because we wasted the emotions. The character of my players allowed us to win,” emphasized L. Eglinskas.
Paulius Valinskas had a career performance in this game. The guard scored 29 points (4/7 two-pointers, 5/10 three-pointers, 6/6 free throws) and accumulated 25 efficiency points. However, in the press conference, L. Eglinskas highlighted the entire team’s contribution to such a performance by the guard.
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“When I arrived, I found a very talented team. I just needed to place the players in such positions where their strengths would be revealed. I try to raise the players so that after my coaching they would be even better. We never talk only about Kenny Cherry.
His experience in the locker room, working with young legionnaires, how he gives the right advice. He is not selfish and does not demand minutes. Everyone has their roles. I am glad that Paulius scored so many points, everyone helps him,” said the coach.
Now “Juventus” is one win away not only from the LKL final but also from the FIBA Champions League group stage. If the Utena team reaches the grand final, they will receive an invitation to the European tournament.
“It doesn’t distract me. I know what we have to achieve. If we manage to secure it, it will be an additional gift to everyone,” L. Eglinskas downplayed.
For the coach himself, this season resembles a roller coaster. During the season, he was dismissed from Kėdainiai “Nevėžis,” and after a few weeks took over the helm of Utena “Juventus.” Although at that time the Utena team went through a very poor stretch, after the coach’s arrival the team seemed to be reborn and has been showing great form ever since.
“Nothing happens without a reason. It had to happen, the stars aligned, everything fell into place. I hear that most people start talking about a movie, so maybe start creating it,” L. Eglinskas said jokingly.
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