VILNIUS (Baltic League) – The Siemens Arena will be the center of attention in the world of basketball when Lithuania host EuroBasket 2011.

Europe got a sneak preview of what’s to come over the weekend when 10,000 fans watched Zalgiris hit back from a 14-point half-time deficit and beat Lithuanian rivals Lietuvos Rytas 73-66 in the final of the Baltic Basketball League.

The Kaunas outfit, which defeated Ventspils 86-74 in its semi-final, got a game-high 22 points from guard Marcus Brown while Lithuania national team hopeful Tidas Klimavicius contributed 17 along with eight rebounds.

“The key was that we dug deep and found some energy in ourselves,” Klimavicius said.

"We had to rely on our battling spirit to bring us back into the game and we succeeded only because of our determination," Zalgiris coach Darius Maskoliunas said.

“I’m very happy for the players, for the character they showed.

"I’m happy that they didn’t give up after two terrible quarters.”

Both Brown and Klimavicius were three of four from behind the arc.

Zalgiris made eight of 23 (34.8%) from long range, compared to just four of 19 (21.1%) for Lietuvos Rytas.

Another Lithuania national team hopeful, shooting guard Martynas Gecevicius, finished with 20 points for Lietuvos Rytas but he was just five of 17 from the floor and zero of four from behind the arc.

“We started the game fairly well,” Gecevicius said.

“Our defense was good in the first two quarters.

“In the second half, though, everything changed and we started to miss our shots.

“We made a lot of stupid turnovers and lost as a result.”

Zalgiris also out-rebounded Rimas Kurtinaitis’ team, 42-32.

“I want to congratulate Zalgiris on their win in a beautiful and honorable game for the BBL title," Kurtinaitis said.

"They were more accurate (shooting) and faster.

"But I also want to thank my players for the fight they gave.

"We couldn’t win today due to a lack of energy.”

Lietuvos Rytas had edged Siauliai in the semi-finals, 81-78, while Zalgiris had prevailed over Ventspils, 86-74.

"The LKL finals await and we'll be getting ready for them," Kurtinaitis said.

Lietuvos Rytas have a 1-0 lead over Juventus in the LKL play-off semi-finals, and Zalgiris are also on top of Siauliai, 1-0.

FIBA