After reviewing the fateful lockdown, Kalnietis recalled Maskoliūnas’ comment during training / News

Adama Darboe, who took the initiative in the decisive Danish attack, quickly defeated Mantas Kalnietis and formed a corridor to the basket, but the captain of the Lithuanian team resolutely stopped the opponent’s attempt to create an incredible miracle.

From behind, Kalnietis blocked Darboe’s shot and bounced the ball, which turned into a ticket to 2022 during Lithuania’s crazy stages of the qualifying stages. European Championship.

After putting the ticket in his pocket, Kalnietis didn’t shy away from scoffing at talking about the last minute.

“I lost my position, he was already me takenKalnietis said. – The coach said this morning that I should stop jumping, too old. But I jumped and nothing (laughs) “.

The captain’s lock deprived the Danes of the opportunity to create a sensation that they stayed very close to, a single pitch. The Lithuanian team came out of the Vilnius bubble and won the drama 77:76.

– How was the game? – the journalists asked Kalnietis.
– There is not much to say. We are happy to be in the European Championship. Unfortunately, but in such a (dramatic) way. In a few weeks, no one will remember how we did it. Of course, the game did not go the way we wanted.

– What thoughts arose when the Danes started falling into triple space?
– It wasn’t the biggest problem if they threw heavy triples. They can’t win a game with those triples. Sure, it gives in for the head, but the problem was when they threw loose triples or punished us in the way that was most comfortable for them. It all comes down to one thing: the ball doesn’t seem to fall there, something gets stuck somewhere. Usually these things do not determine the outcome of the match.

– How much pressure have you had today?
– We have not been in a mere situation to fight for the Euro Cup (last game). But both the coaches and the players have seen a lot, and this is not the first time we have faced pressure. Of course, it would have been the biggest tragedy for Lithuania to be without a basketball tournament in the summer, but when you are on the field you don’t think about that. Although it may be unconscious, it is trying to do its job.