Turkey, coached by three-time EuroLeague champion Ergin Ataman, dictated the terms from the first minutes and at one point held a 28-point lead.
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This defeat pushed the Lithuanian national team, which still dreams of a place at the world championships, towards the abyss, as they will likely have to win all five remaining games.
The physical double defense of the Turkish basketball players became a headache for the team leader Ąžuolas Tubelis, who this summer averaged 32 efficiency points in five friendly and official games wearing the national team jersey, but ended the duel in Istanbul with only 5 efficiency points.
Ą.Tubelis scored 7 points (1/3 two-pointers, 0/1 three-pointers, 5/6 free throws), grabbed 6 rebounds, stole 2 balls, blocked a shot in 24 minutes of play, but made 7 turnovers and watched the last 12 minutes of the game from the bench.
– Ąžuolas, how would you describe this game?
– Not good. From the very beginning, we allowed Cedi Osman to shoot, allowed Sehmus Hazer to attack. Everyone – go to the strong hands. They scored 18 points in the first quarter just by driving to the right side. We kind of emphasized it, but as players, we need to emphasize it even more.
It’s hard to catch up and win against a team like Turkey.
– There are quite a few newcomers in the national team. Could nerves have influenced such a start to the game?
– I can’t speak for everyone, you should ask them. I never look for excuses. We came to win, they were better, they outran us. Bad decisions, I personally don’t know how many I made. We lacked team play, but I’m not blaming or naming anyone here. I lost many balls myself when I tried to prove something one-on-one when they came at me three against one. Then the only option was to pass the ball. Bad game, but we tried and fought, supported each other because not many others support us.
– Were you surprised by Turkey’s double defense and various maneuvers?
– No. We needed to make shots, pass less. They positioned themselves very well along the passing lanes and it was hard to pass the ball.
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– What is most important now before the game in Vilnius?
– Recovery for those who played more. The coach wants to show that we need to prepare for the game against the Bosnians in Vilnius. After every first game, good recovery and sleep are needed. We will have a recovery training and will all be ready for the next match.
– How does it feel to have so many fans from Lithuania come to support you?
– Very nice. Of course, we didn’t pay much attention to it. I won’t complain or cry about the support when it’s so big from the bench. It’s always nice to play. When we were down by 25 points, they didn’t stop supporting us. They chanted Lithuania’s name and that shows you have to play for your country until the end.
– You mentioned that part of the public does not support the national team. Is this a team weakness, that there is no positivity and you want more positive energy?
– I won’t answer such questions. We, as players, will come and play. The team and staff don’t want to delve into what’s happening around. You put on a jersey or polo shirt with the word “Lithuania,” so you play for it. You don’t pay much attention to what’s happening around. You go and play, I don’t want to elaborate.
– When you need to win the last 5 games, is it hard not to entertain probability theories?
– It’s not good that we lost. We will go and fight, try to win against the Bosnians. Then there will be a break. You don’t need to look further – you need to win against the Bosnians.
