Granitas-Karys edge Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės in dramatic clash

January 24, 2026

Granitas-Karys secured a thrilling 31–29 victory over Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės in a high-intensity Baltic Handball League encounter, edging another dramatic chapter in the growing rivalry between the two sides. After their previous meeting ended in a 30–30 draw in November, Saturday’s clash once again delivered drama, momentum swings and standout individual performances.

The visitors laid the foundation for victory with a strong first half, taking a 19–16 lead into the break. Although Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės repeatedly threatened a comeback in the second half, Granitas-Karys showed composure in the decisive moments to hold on until the final whistle.

Fast start and Granitas-Karys control the tempo

Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės opened the scoring through Modestas Štarolis, who was active early, but Granitas-Karys quickly responded. The opening ten minutes saw a flurry of goals, with Štarolis and Domantas Pukas driving the home side forward, while Benediktas Labutis and Simas Butkus began to assert themselves for the visitors.

From 5–5 onwards, Granitas-Karys went on a decisive run, capitalising on defensive stops and efficient finishing to move ahead 10–6 and then 15–11. Simas Butkus was particularly influential in this period, while Labutis converted key seven-metre throws. Despite goals from Ighor Odinokov and Oleksandr Kasai keeping Pasvalys in touch, Granitas-Karys maintained control to reach half-time with a three-goal advantage.

Second-half fightback falls just short

The home side emerged from the break with renewed energy. Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės gradually reduced the deficit through disciplined attacking play and strong finishing by Titas Janušonis, who was clinical throughout the match. Midway through the second half, Pasvalys cut the margin to two goals, igniting the home crowd and forcing Granitas-Karys to respond.

However, every surge by the hosts was met with an answer. Simas Butkus continued to lead the Granitas-Karys offense, while Marius Kairys and Ernestas Guogis delivered timely goals to keep the visitors in front. In the closing minutes, Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės pushed relentlessly, narrowing the score to 29–30 with less than a minute remaining, but a decisive late goal from Gytis Zadarnauskas sealed the 31–29 victory for Granitas-Karys.

Top performers

For Pasvalio Pieno žvaigždės, Titas Janušonis delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 8 goals from 9 shots, while Ighor Odinokov added 5 goals and provided key offensive momentum. Oleksandr Kasai also contributed decisively with 4 goals, including a crucial seven-metre conversion.

Granitas-Karys were led by an exceptional showing from Simas Butkus, who finished with 10 goals from 12 shots, proving decisive in both halves. Benediktas Labutis added 7 goals, including two successful seven-metre throws, while Marius Kairys chipped in with 4 important goals.