The Lithuanian side ended its debut EuroCup campaign on a high by beating the London Lions.
Wolves got help from Lithuanian fans at Copper Box Arena in EuroCup swan song
Wolves Vilnius bid farewell to the BKT EuroCup with a strong road victory over the London Lions, using dominance on the glass to get a win in front of some surprisingly strong support away from home.
Wolves were really pushed by the Lithuanian fans inside Copper Box Arena and it helped the road team to an 80-85 triumph in a game that often had the feeling it was taking place in Lithuania.
“We were so happy to see so many Lithuanians at the arena. It’s an amazing feeling to feel like you are playing at home. We knew that a lot of people would come to watch us, but we didn’t expect so much support. This victory is for them,” said Wolves head coach Nedas Pacevicius.
“That is incredible. You cannot imagine how much they lifted us up during all the tough moments. And we had so many ups and downs. During those tough moments we felt like the fans were behind us. We are really happy about this win, really happy.”
The battle of the boards was key
Wolves outrebounded London 44-31, including a 15-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. And that led to a 21-11 margin in second-chance points.
Add the rebounding advantage to London making just 3-of-19 three-pointers (15.8%) and Wolves had a good win to complete the season.
“It felt good. It’s a little bittersweet knowing we were so close to making the playoffs, knowing how many games we dropped in the middle of the year that we could have possibly won. But it’s a great way to end the season in the EuroCup and we’re happy with the win,” said Jeffery Taylor.
Wolves had already been eliminated from playoff contention and that made the trip to London less than easy, but the fans’ support gave the team an added level of motivation.
“It was not easy. We came here without any chances of qualify for the playoffs,” added Cocah Pacevicius. “But I really think the guys felt the meaning of this game because so many Lithuanian fans came to watch.
“It was a big, big factor for us. During the tough moments, they actually pushed us for good stops defensively. This is a very good victory, a victory which will help us in the future.”