Lithuania's 3x3 basketball team started the Champions Cup with a sweet victory
The Lithuanian 3x3 basketball team won their first match in the Champions Cup against Spain, the defending world champions, with a score of 18:14.
The Lithuanian 3x3 basketball team began their Champions Cup campaign on a high note by defeating Spain, the reigning world champions, with a score of 18:14. This victory is particularly significant not only because of the strong competition from Spain but also given that the Lithuanian team, represented by Aurelijus Pukelis, Evaldas Džiaugys, Marijus Užupis, and Ignas Vaitkus, has a history of success, having triumphed in the European Championship in Denmark last year. The team, coached by Dainius Novickas, hopes to leverage this momentum as they prepare for the 2026 3x3 basketball season in Bangkok, Thailand, where the Champions Cup is being held for the second time in its history. The significance of this tournament extends beyond just this match, as teams from around the world competed to secure their spots through victories in prior competitions. In total, the tournament features eight men's and eight women's teams that earned their right to compete through previous successes, with the Lithuanian team facing fierce competition from teams such as Australia, Madagascar, Serbia, and the USA. This high level of competition is expected to be a showcase of skill and athleticism as each team vies for the prestigious Champions Cup title.