Mistra Pull Away After the Break to Defeat Granitas-Karys 31–27

February 21, 2026

Mistra continued their strong run in the Baltic Handball League on Friday evening, defeating Granitas-Karys 31:27 away from home after a tightly contested encounter that was level at the break. Following their dominant 37:27 home win earlier in the season, Mistra once again proved too strong in the decisive moments to complete a convincing season double.

Match overview

The match started at a high tempo, with Granitas-Karys striking first through Simas Butkus. The opening minutes saw both teams trading goals and missed chances, as neither side was able to build an early cushion. Benediktas Labutis was heavily involved for the hosts, converting several seven-metre throws, while Serhii Orlovskyi immediately showed his importance for Mistra, keeping the visitors close both from open play and the penalty line.

Granitas-Karys enjoyed short spells of momentum in the first half, twice going two and three goals ahead, but Mistra responded calmly each time. Orlovskyi, Patrick Padjus and Aron Leppik ensured the visitors stayed in touch, and the first 30 minutes ended fittingly with the scoreboard showing an even 18:18.

Second-half turning point

The balance of the match began to tilt shortly after the restart. While Granitas-Karys remained competitive, Mistra gradually increased their defensive intensity and punished missed opportunities. Goals from Padjus, Karl Roosna and Orlovskyi helped Mistra edge ahead, and despite several attempts by the home side to close the gap, the visitors repeatedly answered at crucial moments.

A key stretch came between the 47th and 51st minutes, when Mistra extended their lead to three goals after withstanding pressure and capitalising on turnovers. Even after Granitas-Karys reduced the deficit late on, Orlovskyi’s goals in the final minutes effectively sealed the outcome.

Top performers

For Granitas-Karys, Benediktas Labutis delivered an outstanding individual performance, scoring 10 goals from 12 attempts, including a perfect 4/4 from seven metres. Simas Butkus added six goals, while Marius Kairys contributed four, but the hosts ultimately lacked consistency in the closing stages.

Mistra were led once again by Serhii Orlovskyi, who finished with 10 goals and played a decisive role throughout the match. Patrick Padjus was clinical, converting all six of his attempts, and Karl Roosna added important goals in the second half to maintain Mistra’s advantage.

Final result

Granitas-Karys 27 – 31 Mistra
Half-time: 18 – 18