Ukraine defeated Lithuania in a friendly match—a historic victory after a 20-year hiatus

Ukraine's men's national basketball team secured an important victory over Lithuania in a friendly match as part of its preparation for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Ainars Bagatskis' team defeated the hosts 96:92.

This victory was a special one for Ukraine, as the national team had not beaten Lithuania for 20 years. It also marked the first away victory over the Lithuanians in the history of the rivalry.

The hosts started the game more actively and built an eight-point lead during the opening quarter. However, Ukraine quickly reduced the deficit and finished the first ten minutes trailing by only four points, 23:27.

In the second quarter, Lithuania once again tried to pull away, but two consecutive three-pointers from Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk brought Ukraine back into the game. Bagatskis' team not only tied the score but also took the lead for the first time. The teams went into halftime tied at 55:55.

After the break, Ukraine continued to pressure its opponent. A 9:2 run gave the Blue and Yellows a six-point advantage, and a buzzer-beater by Ivan Tkachenko at the end of the third quarter allowed Ukraine to finish the period ahead 77:74.

In the final quarter, Lithuania attempted to come back and even produced a 9:0 run, but Ukraine maintained control of the game. Crucial free throws by Maksym Kovliar and decisive plays by Andrii Voinalovych helped secure the victory.

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk was Ukraine's top scorer with 26 points, all of them coming before halftime. Overall, Ukraine made 13 of its 36 three-point attempts.

Friendly Match

Lithuania — Ukraine — 92:96