Lithuania wins 2014 Huawei Cup

Lithuania claimed victory in the 2014 Huawei Cup trophy warm up tournament by defeating Slovenia 80:76 and wrapping the competition with three consecutive games. The win proved good preparation for a Lithuanian team that will travel to Spain to contest the FIBA 2014 World Cup in September.

Inside the Zalgirio Arena in Kaunas, the Lithuania players had home court advantage, but could not make it count during the opening period. Instead it was Slovenia who opened the game in better touch, pacing to a 17-22 lead after 10 minutes on the floor. In the second frame the visitors continued to have the better of the game and even extended their lead by a single point at the long break, with the score reading 36-42 at halftime. Lithuania emerged for the third quarter with renewed defensive direction, and through minutes 20 to 30 the hosts held Slovenia to just 12 points. The home team scored 21 through the nets to turn the game around and lead 57-54 with the fourth quarter still to play. In the last stanza the team traded buckets as Lithuania held on to celebrate in front of its home fans.

Paulius Jankunas and Jonas Valanciunas set the pace with 14 points apiece in the winning effort, while Mantas Kalnietis claimed 13 points.

Miha Zupan secured a game high 18 points for the losing Slovenians and Klemen Prepelic nailed 17 through the net.