Siauliai opened their EuroCup Basketball campaign with a hard-earned 74-71 victory over the London Lions, surviving a nervy final two minutes in front of a loud home crowd. The Lithuanian side led for much of the night but never managed to shake off a stubborn Lions team that kept answering every run, making this a win built on composure as much as quality.

Match Overview

The game was decided in the paint and at the free-throw line. Siauliai built their advantage around a patient half-court offense, working the ball inside to their big men before kicking out to open shooters, while the Lions relied on transition baskets and quick three-point looks to stay in touch. Neither team led by more than nine points at any stage, and the final margin of three points accurately reflected how tight the contest was from tip-off to buzzer.

The first quarter set the tone: Siauliai jumped out to an early 12-5 lead, only for London to close the period with an 8-0 run of their own. From that point forward it became a possession-by-possession battle, with both coaches emptying their benches in search of a spark.

Key Moments

• First quarter: Siauliai's early burst opened a seven-point gap before the Lions responded from beyond the arc.
• Second quarter: A 9-2 London run briefly put the visitors ahead, forcing a Siauliai timeout.
• Third quarter: The home side's defensive adjustment — switching every screen on the perimeter — produced four straight stops and restored a six-point cushion.
• Fourth quarter: London cut the deficit to one with under a minute remaining, but Siauliai iced the game at the free-throw line.

Tactical Story

Siauliai's coaching staff made the decisive adjustment of the night at halftime, moving away from drop coverage and asking their guards to fight over screens. The change slowed London's pick-and-roll attack considerably and forced the Lions into contested mid-range attempts late in the shot clock. Offensively, Siauliai leaned on their size advantage, generating second-chance points through aggressive offensive rebounding.

London, for their part, were at their best when they played fast. Their best stretches came off live-ball turnovers and long rebounds, and their half-court execution against a set defense was noticeably less efficient. The Lions' three-point shooting kept them alive, but a cold spell in the third quarter ultimately proved costly.

Standout Performers

Siauliai's backcourt controlled tempo throughout, combining for steady ball security and timely shot-making in the closing minutes. Their interior presence on the glass was the single biggest statistical edge of the contest. For London, the wing duo carried much of the scoring load, attacking the rim relentlessly and drawing fouls to keep the scoreboard moving even when the jump shots stopped falling.

EuroCup Implications

Opening-night wins in European competition are worth more than the two points they appear to be on paper. For Siauliai, the result is a confidence boost and an early foothold in a group where home results are essential. For the London Lions, the performance offers encouragement despite the defeat — a three-point road loss in Lithuania is the kind of result that can look much better by the end of the group stage.