A wake-up call for Ukrainian basketball just ahead of EuroBasket

Ukraine's U-20 women's team plays friendlies

According to Главком: Ahead of the EuroBasket 2026 tournament, Ukraine's U-20 women's national squad took on Lithuania in two exhibition matches as part of their preparation. The first game, held on June 21, ended with a 64:54 victory for the Lithuanian side. Top performers for Ukraine included:

• Tyha, who scored 15 points;
• Tynshchuk, who contributed 10 points;
• Tupalo, who recorded 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The second match produced a similar outcome, with Lithuania prevailing 82:77. Tyha once again led her team, putting up 17 points along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Tupalo and Tynshchuk also turned in strong performances, each scoring 13 points. Lavrynets and Syniakova added 9 points apiece to the team's total.

The U-20 Women's EuroBasket is scheduled to take place in Samokov, Bulgaria, from July 4 to 12. These friendlies have been a key component of Ukraine's buildup to this prestigious competition.

Ukraine's men's team in World Cup qualifying

Meanwhile, Ukraine's senior men's squad suffered a 78:64 defeat against Spain in the fourth round of 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying. Despite this loss, the team had shown promise in earlier matches, securing an 88:71 win over Denmark in the second round and a 92:79 victory over Georgia in the opening qualifier. Oleksandr Kovliar was the standout player against Georgia, scoring 31 points in 37 minutes on the court.

Both Ukrainian national teams are pressing ahead with their preparations for major international tournaments, demonstrating clear progress and development in their gameplay. The U-20 squad gained valuable experience from the Lithuania series, which should sharpen their performance at EuroBasket. Although the men's team fell to Spain, their earlier qualifying successes highlight the squad's potential on the global stage. These results underscore the critical role of preparation and adaptability in facing diverse playing conditions ahead of upcoming events.

As the U-20 women's team gears up for EuroBasket, it's worth noting that Ukraine's Women's 3x3 Basketball Team has also made significant strides, successfully securing their spot in Euro 2026. Their impressive performance in the qualifiers demonstrates the growing strength of Ukrainian basketball on multiple fronts. To learn more about their journey and achievements, check out how they swept the qualifiers in the recent tournament.