Kibirkstis Women opened their EuroLeague Women campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling INEA AZS Poznan Women 91-69 in Vilnius. A 22-point victory built on a blistering first half sent a clear message to the rest of the competition: the Lithuanian champions intend to be far more than group-stage participants this season.

The hosts never trailed after the opening four minutes, and by the time the halftime buzzer sounded the contest was effectively settled. It was a performance of control, rhythm and ruthless efficiency — the kind of European night that builds momentum for months.

Match Overview

• Competition: EuroLeague Women
• Final score: Kibirkstis Women 91 – 69 INEA AZS Poznan Women
• Venue: Vilnius, Lithuania
• Date: 24 September 2026
• Result: Kibirkstis Women win by 22 points

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• Q1: Kibirkstis 24 – 16 Poznan
• Q2: Kibirkstis 26 – 19 Poznan
• Q3: Kibirkstis 21 – 18 Poznan
• Q4: Kibirkstis 20 – 16 Poznan
• Final: Kibirkstis 91 – 69 Poznan

The pattern of the game is written into those numbers. Kibirkstis won every single quarter, never allowing their opponents a foothold, and the margin never dipped below double digits after the early stages of the second period.

How the Game Was Won

The tone was set early. Kibirkstis came out pressing high and pushing the tempo, converting defensive stops into transition points before Poznan's half-court defence had time to set. The first quarter ended 24-16, and the hosts' ability to score in the open floor was the difference between two teams who otherwise matched up reasonably well in size.

The second quarter was where the game broke open. A 12-2 run midway through the period — sparked by back-to-back steals and a pair of three-pointers from the wing — stretched the lead past twenty and forced the Polish side into a timeout they never truly recovered from. Kibirkstis went into the locker room 50-35 ahead, having shot the ball efficiently from the perimeter while dominating the rebound count at both ends.

To Poznan's credit, they competed hard after the break. The third quarter was the most evenly contested of the night, with the visitors finding some success inside and drawing fouls to slow the tempo. But every time they threatened to cut the deficit to single figures, Kibirkstis answered — usually through a quick-hitting set that ended in an open look from beyond the arc or a second-chance basket.

The fourth quarter was professional rather than spectacular. With the result secure, the home bench emptied and the intensity dropped slightly, but the margin was never seriously threatened. The final 20-16 quarter simply confirmed what the first thirty minutes had already established.

Key Moments

• Opening surge: Kibirkstis scored on five of their first six possessions to take an early 11-4 lead, forcing Poznan to chase the game from the outset.
• The decisive run: A 12-2 stretch in the second quarter turned a competitive game into a comfortable one, opening a 20-point cushion.
• Third-quarter response: Poznan's best spell of the night cut the lead to 14, but a three-pointer and a fast-break layup in the closing minute of the period restored full control.
• Bench contribution: Kibirkstis' reserves outscored their counterparts comfortably, underlining the depth advantage that will matter in a long EuroLeague season.

Tactical Story

Two things decided this game: pace and the three-point line.

Kibirkstis clearly wanted to play fast. Their guards pushed the ball after every defensive rebound, attacking before Poznan's defence could load up, and the result was a steady stream of high-percentage attempts around the rim. When the visitors packed the paint, the Lithuanians kicked the ball out and knocked down shots from deep, punishing the help defence repeatedly.

Defensively, the hosts switched aggressively on screens and dared Poznan to beat them from the perimeter. The Polish side generated decent looks at times but could not string together consecutive baskets, and their inability to score in bunches meant the deficit only ever grew.

On the glass, Kibirkstis held a clear edge, limiting second-chance opportunities while creating extra possessions of their own. In a competition where road teams are punished for sloppy rebounding, that differential was always going to be decisive.

Standout Performances

Kibirkstis Women produced a balanced offensive display, wit