Tornado KM 2005-2 team got valuable lessons in the tournament in Minsk

2019 kovas 20 d., trečiadienis

March 15 - 17, Tornado KM 2005 - 2 team participated in international basketball tournament in Minsk. In addition to our team, Minsk Tsmoki I and II teams, Moscow Gloria, Tallinn TTU and Reutov MBU also participated in the tournament.

The first match of the tournament was played against TTU Tallinn. "We came straight to the match from the bus, -  said coach Tomas Rakauskas. - We got up very early and after five hours of travel the rivals looked really fresh. They had arrived in Minsk from the evening. Although we certainly did not give up without a fight, but at the end of the match the opponents played better and won 47:41” After dinner and accommodated at hotel, the team had no time to relax. The second game against Moscow Gloria (Russia) was waiting for our team. Although the match was tough, the opponents step by step increased their advantage. In the fourth quarter the difference between the teams was only 10 points, but the fatigue felt even more and “Tornado” team lost 40:62.

On the second day of the tournament, game against Russian team from the Reutov MBU was waiting. "Guys were already rested and really wanted to win, - said T. Rakauskas. - Although there were many mistakes and bad decisions, after a tough fight we managed to win the victory 47:43."

Other game against leaders of tournament Minsk Tsmoki – I has been waiting for an hour and a half. “We had a very good start of the match and we had the initiative in the first half, but the tragic second half. We scored just 1 point, allowed our opponents to gain a small advantage and keep it for the rest of the match. We lost 43:57”, - the coach said.

“Tornado”  BS team ended games early on the second day, so had a free to. Unfortunately, the weather did’t allow to go for a walk and explore Minsk. "We spent few hours in a supermarket near the hotel, watched video of our games at hotel, analyzed our mistakes on court and went to rest," -  said T. Rakauskas.

Only one game against Minsk Tsmoki – II was waiting on the last day of tournament. This team had not yet won. From the start of the match, it was clear that the “Tornado” BM players were stronger and the guys had an easy victory 50:26.

"We took 4th place in the six – teams tournament," – said T. Rakauskas. - "Rokas Uscila was awarded as the best player in the team, and Lukas Kemeraitis, the team's captain, was awarded as a symbolic five player.”

„I really, really appreciate the whole tournament. The organization was high level. We lived in a good hotel, played in  good gyms and played 5 games with our level teams. Although our team was lower in height and weaker in physical characteristics, we fighted with all teams! We've learned some useful lessons that you won't get when you play lightweight games where the winner is clear from the start,” – said coach of te team.