Lithuanian Side Claims Crucial Road Win in Round 18
In a much-needed morale boost, Lietkabelis Panevezys snapped their four-game losing streak with a convincing 66-58 victory over the struggling London Lions at the Copper Box Arena on February 11th, 2026. The Lithuanian squad demonstrated defensive resilience and clutch execution to secure their second win of the recent stretch, leaving the Lions still searching for answers after their seventh consecutive defeat.
The victory marks a significant turning point for Lietkabelis, who had been hemorrhaging losses since their last triumph over Panionios on February 4th. Meanwhile, London's misery continues as they extend their woeful run, having won just once in their last seven outings. The eight-point margin of victory doesn't fully capture the visitors' control throughout much of the contest, particularly in the crucial second quarter that ultimately decided the outcome.
Second Quarter Surge Proves Decisive
The game's defining moment came in the second quarter when Lietkabelis Panevezys outscored the home side 23-11, transforming a narrow 14-12 deficit after the opening period into a commanding 35-23 halftime advantage. This 12-point swing provided the cushion that the Lithuanian side would maintain throughout the remainder of the contest, despite London's attempts to claw their way back into contention.
The first quarter had been a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Lietkabelis edged ahead with a modest 14-12 advantage, but it was in the second stanza that their offensive efficiency truly emerged. The visitors found success attacking the paint and generating quality looks from beyond the arc, while London appeared disjointed and unable to execute their offensive sets with any consistency.
London managed to match Lietkabelis in the third quarter with both teams scoring in the low twenties, but the damage had already been done. The Lions made one final push in the fourth quarter, outscoring the visitors 19-13, but it proved too little, too late as the Lithuanians held firm to close out the game.
Kullamae and Morris Lead Balanced Attack
Estonian sharpshooter Kristian Kullamae delivered an outstanding performance for the visitors, leading all scorers with 18 points in just over 32 minutes of action. His efficiency was remarkable, connecting on 5-of-7 attempts from three-point range while also contributing three rebounds and three assists. Kullamae's ability to space the floor and punish London's defensive rotations proved instrumental in opening up driving lanes for his teammates.
Coming off the bench, Jamel Morris provided the scoring punch that Lietkabelis needed, adding 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting over 34 minutes. The American guard showed versatility in his scoring approach, connecting on multiple three-pointers while also attacking the basket effectively. His four made free throws in as many attempts demonstrated his composure in crucial moments, and he added three rebounds and an assist to round out his stat line.
Canadian big man Fardaws Aimaq was a force on the glass, recording an impressive double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, including six offensive boards. His presence in the paint caused constant problems for London's interior defenders, though he did struggle with turnovers, committing five on the evening. Nevertheless, his physical play and ability to secure second-chance opportunities proved vital in maintaining Lietkabelis's offensive flow.
London's Offensive Struggles Continue
The London Lions managed just 58 points on the night, continuing their troubling offensive trends that have plagued them throughout their losing streak. Shavar Reynolds Jr led the home side with 13 points, but his inefficiency was telling, converting just 3-of-11 field goal attempts. However, the American guard did show persistence in getting to the free-throw line, making 7-of-9 attempts while also contributing five rebounds and three assists in nearly 31 minutes.
Tarik Phillip added 12 points for London, displaying his ability to create offense and get to the charity stripe, where he converted 5-of-8 attempts. The British-Virgin Islands guard also distributed five assists, demonstrating his playmaking abilities, but the lack of consistent scoring support around him proved problematic for the Lions' offensive execution.
Chaundee Brown Jr and Ethan Price each contributed 10 points for the home side, with Price showing perfect efficiency inside the arc by making all five of his two-point attempts. Price also pulled down seven rebounds and added two assists, providing one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing performance from London.
Defensive Intensity Sets the Tone
The game was characterized by its defensive intensity, with both teams struggling to generate high-quality scoring opportunities. Lietkabelis finished with 66 points on 15-of-44 shooting overall, including a respectable 7-of-22 from three-point range. Their success at the free-throw line, where they converted 15-of-19 attempts, proved crucial in maintaining their advantage throughout the second half.
London's offensive numbers were even more concerning, as they shot just 15-of-56 from the field, a paltry 26.8% conversion rate. Their three-point shooting was particularly problematic, connecting on only 3-of-24 attempts from beyond the arc. The Lions' inability to stretch the defense allowed Lietkabelis to pack the paint and contest shots at the rim, limiting London's most efficient scoring opportunities.
Dovis Bickauskis provided valuable contributions for the visitors beyond the box score, playing tenacious defense and recording two steals while facilitating with three assists. His defensive pressure on London's ball handlers contributed to the home side's offensive discomfort throughout the contest.
Bench Production Proves Difference
One of the key factors in Lietkabelis's victory was the production they received from their reserves. Gabrielius Maldunas came off the bench to record 6 points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes, with five of those boards coming on the offensive end. His physical presence and effort on the glass provided crucial second-chance opportunities that extended possessions and demoralized London's defenders.
While Michael Flowers struggled with his shooting efficiency for Lietkabelis, finishing with just 2 points on 0-of-4 shooting from the field, his three assists in 18 minutes helped keep the offense moving. The depth of the Lithuanian squad allowed them to maintain their intensity throughout the forty minutes, whereas London appeared to fatigue as the game progressed.
For the Lions, Deane Williams provided a spark off the bench with 8 points on limited opportunities, but the home side's second unit couldn't match the production of their opponents. Mo Soluade contributed defensively with a steal in 12 minutes, but the British forward failed to score, going 0-for-1 from three-point range.
Looking Ahead
This victory provides Lietkabelis Panevezys with much-needed momentum as they attempt to climb the standings in the EuroCup regular season. The balanced scoring attack and defensive commitment displayed against London will need to continue if they hope to build on this success and secure a favorable playoff position.
For the London Lions, the challenges continue to mount. Their seventh straight defeat raises serious questions about their offensive identity and ability to execute in crucial moments. The shooting percentages, particularly from three-point range, represent a systemic issue that requires immediate attention from the coaching staff. With only 58 points scored against a team that had been struggling defensively during their own losing streak, London's offensive concerns have reached a critical point.
The Lions will need to regroup quickly and find solutions to their shooting woes if they hope to salvage their season. The presence of capable players like Ethan Price, who showed efficiency in the paint, suggests that emphasizing interior scoring might provide a short-term solution while they work to rediscover their perimeter shooting touch.
As Round 18 of the EuroCup continues, both teams face crucial decisions about their approaches moving forward. Lietkabelis will look to build momentum and string together consecutive victories, while London must confront their offensive inadequacies before their season slips further away from their grasp.