Poland's hopes for victory were dashed on February 21, 2025, when they faced Lithuania in the fifth round of qualifiers for the EuroBasket 2025. The national team suffered a staggering defeat, losing 48-82 at Spodek Arena in Katowice. While the Polish team started the match with promise, securing the first quarter 18-15, their performance deteriorated drastically through the subsequent quarters.
Under the leadership of Coach Igor Milicić, Poland entered the arena with high expectations. The players felt buoyed by their home crowd, which had gathered to support them. Early on, Michał Sokołowski opened the scoring for Poland, and there was a brief moment of hope as the home team took the lead. But as the match progressed, it became clear who the stronger side was. Lithuania, ranked tenth globally, quickly retaliated and regained control.
The first quarter had seemed promising, but the second turned out to be the beginning of the end for the Polish team. They entered halftime trailing 32-37 after failing to capitalize on key shooting opportunities. It was evident during the match Poland was missing some pivotal players. Notably absent were Mateusz Ponitka, recovering from knee surgery, and NBA player Jeremy Sochan, who promises to join the squad for the EuroBasket tournament later this year.
Despite their efforts, the second half became increasingly difficulty-laden for the Polish side. Coach Milicić remarked after the game, "We were missing many important players, but that's not an excuse." By the end of the third quarter, Poland's score stagnated, only adding 10 points, compared to Lithuania’s substantial 25-point haul. The scoreboard read 42-62, and it was evident the match was slipping from their grasp.
Responding to the failures, players expressed their frustration. "We made many mistakes," Andrzej Pluta said, reflecting on the allowing opponents too many easy points. The discontent was palpable; the fans had come to support but were met with disappointment as their team managed only six points during the final quarter. They watched as Lithuania pulled away and showcased their superiority, leading by as many as 34 points before the final whistle blew.
After the game, Jakub Schenk commented on the disappointing result, calling it, "a disgrace," and emphasized the importance of learning from such experiences. "This will be a good lesson for us," he added, noting the need for resilience moving forward.
Polish basketball now faces the challenge of regrouping as they prepare for their last qualifying match against North Macedonia on February 24. This will be their opportunity to stay relevant in the qualifiers, after previously losing to North Macedonia 71-96 back in February 2024. With the EuroBasket tournament just around the corner, starting on August 27, 2025, the pressure is mounting for the Polish squad to solidify their roster and gain momentum.
The outcome of the match against Lithuania raised concerns about Poland's readiness for the upcoming EuroBasket on home soil. The team is set to compete at Spodek Arena later this year, and such performances raise questions about their competitive edge. Coach Milicić remains optimistic, believing the young players are gaining valuable experience and will be ready to contribute to the team’s future.
Overall, the game served as both a wake-up call and a learning experience for the young Polish players, who will need to adapt quickly to challenge their opponents effectively. The final score line of 48-82 has left fans hopeful but anxious about the road to recovery for their national team.