The Lithuanian national team in Alytus lost 74:88 to the University of Arizona, marking their second defeat in this preparation cycle. Previously, Rimas Kurtinaitis’ trainees lost 108:110 to the Estonian national team.
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Several representatives of the country emphasize that these are friendly matches and there is still much to learn.
Point guard A. Marčiulionis had a very good environment to refine combinations. The 24-year-old, 193 cm tall basketball player scored 15 points (3/11 two-pointers, 2/3 three-pointers, 3/4 free throws), grabbed a rebound, and made 2 assists in over 30 minutes against Arizona.
“The result is not pleasing,” said A. Marčiulionis after the game. “We had to win this match. There is no need to look for excuses. It’s good that these are friendly matches; we still have a week. We have a good team and time to prepare.
This is a process, these are friendly matches. We played with a mixed team, and I think we can be happy about other things. Players who played less in the game against the Estonians played. Kristupas and I had time to get into rhythm. We are professionals and must remember that these are friendly matches and the process continues.”
Since August 10, Rimas Kurtinaitis’ trainees have been working hard in training; although they have played only 2 preparation matches, they were radically different from a composition perspective. Four players came from the reserve team, which significantly adjusted the preparation.
Poor mutual understanding was also visible in the game. Passes to nowhere, unexpectedly sent balls repeated more than once.
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- Rest was given to main national team players Ąžuolas Tubelis, Marekas Blaževičius, Gytis Radzevičius, Dominykas Stenionis, Matas Jogėla, and Osvaldas Olisevičius.
- Reserve team members Modestas Kancleris, Ignas Urbonas, Matas Repšys, and Nojus Radžius were included in the squad.
“The chemistry is good,” A. Marčiulionis did not distinguish player rotations. “We have good senior players. I have not seen, in all my playing time, a more professional person. What he says publicly, that he wants to set an example, he shows every day. He brings that to training.”
In the Arizona team, Motiejus Krivas caused headaches for Lithuania. The 21-year-old, 218 cm tower scored 15 points (5/8 two-pointers, 1/1 three-pointer, 2/2 free throws), grabbed 9 rebounds, made 2 assists, and blocked 4 shots in 22 minutes.
“He will have a long NBA career and will be a long-time national team player. He has a good combination of size and IQ. That is rare,” A. Marčiulionis praised the Lithuanian.
That is rare
The next game for Lithuania awaits on August 23 at 18:30 in Vilnius against the University of Michigan students. It is expected that A. Marčiulionis will play there.
“I want to play, I am still young,” the guard was eager to get on the court. “Game rhythm is needed. The body and legs dragged somewhat at the end of the game. I will always be happy to play. I will play tomorrow, and if needed – the day after tomorrow. I enjoy it and like it. It needs to be done wisely and in consultation with those who understand it.”
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