23
18:21
Grigonis scores from long range to put Lithuania ahead for the first time! Immediately it gets loud in the hall, the Lithuanian fans feel that something could go against the defending champion.
21
18:18
Beginning of 3rd quarter
20
18:05
Mid-term conclusion:
Grigonis unpacks the “buzzer beater” and scores at the end of the first half with a slipped three to 48:51 from the Lithuanian point of view. It’s the end of a fast-paced first half that leaves you wanting more. Lithuania was a bit behind in the second quarter, but came back thanks to a splendid final sprint. So it’s all there in the second half!
20
18:02
Vlatko Čančar is on fire! First he manages a fabulous block against Kuzminskas, then he scores on the other side and draws the foul from Valančiūnas. He doesn’t let the bonus free throw be taken away either, which will certainly find attention in one or the other World Cup review.
18
17:59
Goran Dragić reads the situation very carefully. He intervenes in a cross pass from the Lithuanians, steals the ball and is up and away. The layup is then only a matter of form. He’s the first player on his team today to have 10 points and score in double figures. On the Lithuanian side, Kuzminskas scored as many points.
16
17:50
With a score of 39:36, Slovenia has gained a cushion of six points for the first time. Dončić and Blažič with 8 points each have a big part in it. Overall, it’s a very different performance from the Slovenians compared to the World Cup qualifier against Germany, which the Germans won.
15
17:49
Dončić is down after an unfortunate hand-to-face hit by Valančiūnas. An unsportsmanlike foul will be assessed. In the replay, Valančiūnas hits him while he’s trying to keep his balance. Then he immediately apologizes. The referees do not give an unsportsmanlike foul.
14
17:41
Goran Dragić has a lot of space on the three-point line after a body fake against Lekavičius and also finishes immediately. With the help of the gang, the attempt also goes in. This brings Dragić together with Tobey to 5 points, only Dončić has one more with 6. Overall top scorer is Lekavičius with 8 points.
12.
17:37
At the beginning of the second quarter, Slovenia completely changed the starting five, so Dončić also gets a break. On the other hand, Sabonis is still on the floor from the starting lineup, but he paused briefly in the first quarter.
11.
17:36
Beginning of 2nd quarter
10
17:35
Quarter conclusion:
What a prelude quarter between Slovenia and Lithuania! There is hardly any time to catch your breath, both teams are immediately on fire and deliver great moves to the spectators. Giedraitis completes one of them by getting to the basket in the final second of the first quarter after a misthrow and sinking the rebound to make it 27:27. It can go on like this!
10
17:32
Great switching moment in the majority of Lithuania. Kuzminskas finds Giedraitis on the outside and the former Berliner doesn’t miss the chance. His first throw from a distance is right on target.
8th.
17:29
Ignas Brazdeikis has the first free throws of the game. The 23-year-old, who played for Orlando Magic last season, still has a shaky wrist and only hits one of two shots.
7.
17:26
After the turbulent first few minutes, things calm down a bit. That gives time to take a look at the litter ratios. Slovenia still has room for two, where the quota of 40 percent can be expanded. Lithuania scores 50 percent here, just like in the threes. Again, Slovenia sets the tone there with 71 percent.
5.
17:22
The hall in Cologne is mostly in the hands of the Lithuanian fans. 18,000 fans are expected for the Germany game tonight, but many are already there and most of them are out and about in yellow and green. They make a lot of noise as soon as their team is successful.
3.
17:20
Slovenia starts like the fire brigade. Luka Dončić is immediately up to speed and hits with his first throw from a distance.
17:11
Slovenia and Lithuania will also meet the German national team in Group B, who play their opening game against France in the evening (8.30 p.m.). Hungary and Bosnia complete the group. There are four groups of six teams each, with the top four teams in each group advancing to the round of 16. In contrast to previous tournaments, apart from the game for 3rd place, there are no further placement games.
17:05
On the other hand, Lithuania is always to be expected. The country is known for its basketball madness and highly regarded youth development. Arvydas Sabonis is a multi-award-winning basketball legend, and now his son Domantas is part of the European Championship team. Jonas Valančiūnas is also one of the best zone players, and you always have to have Marius Grigonis or Rokas Giedraitis with threes on the list.
16:57
The Slovenians arrive as defending champions. They won the EM 2017 with a 93:85 over Serbia. Goran Dragić was the MVP of the finals at the time. The now 36-year-old is back again this year. The team is led by superstar Luka Dončić. The 23-year-old point guard said goodbye to Real Madrid as Euro-League winners in 2018 and has since played for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. In addition to the two top players, the team is also well positioned across the board and should have a say in the title this year as well.
4:50 p.m
Welcome to the start of the European Basketball Championship 2022! In group B, the favorites will meet between Slovenia and Lithuania on the first matchday! Tip Off is at 5:15 p.m.!