Vytautas Magnus University – European University Basketball Champions
The basketball team of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has been crowned European University Basketball Champions, triumphing at the EUSA (European University Sports Association) European Universities Championship, held in Bologna, Italy, from July 7 to 13, 2025. In the final game, VMU defeated the host team – the University of Bologna – with a score of 97:83. The top scorers for VMU were Augustinas Mikštas, who contributed 22 points, and Adomas Sidarevičius, who added 19.
Unstoppable Throughout the Tournament
VMU remained undefeated throughout the tournament, securing six wins in six games. In the group stage, the team earned convincing victories against the University of Zadar (Croatia) with a score of 129:81, the University of Bordeaux (France) with a 94:73 win, and the University of Liège (Belgium), 134:77. These games showcased VMU’s offensive efficiency, disciplined defense, and deep player rotation, maintaining a consistent pace and intensity.
In the knockout rounds, VMU dominated the quarterfinal against the University of Aveiro (Portugal), winning 91:52, and went on to defeat the Polish Naval Academy of the Heroes of Westerplatte 97:73 in the semifinal. The final saw VMU surpass the University of Bologna with a confident performance. Throughout the playoffs, the team displayed tactical maturity and cohesion, with strong contributions from both starters and bench players. Under the leadership of head coach Arūnas Juknevičius, the team stood out not only for its results but also for its collective spirit and exemplary leadership on the court.
The following VMU students became European champions: Ričardas Butkus, Modestas Babraitis, Mantas Mockevičius, Vitalijus Kozys, Gregor Allik, Augustinas Mikštas, Adomas Sidarevičius, Žygimantas Sabaliauskas, Laurynas Klimas, Gytis Masiulis, Tomas Zdanavičius, and Justinas Ramanauskas. The team was led by head coach Arūnas Juknevičius.
VMU – One of the Most Athletic Universities in Europe
This gold medal marks the second major European university-level achievement for VMU this summer. Earlier in July, the university’s badminton team claimed bronze at the European Universities Badminton Championship held in Madrid. In the broader context of 2025 sporting achievements, VMU also emerged as the most decorated university at the SELL Student Games (Finland–Estonia–Latvia–Lithuania).
Vytautas Magnus University has consistently maintained its position as one of the most athletic higher education institutions in Lithuania. In 2024, VMU athletes secured eight medal sets across various EUSA championships, placing the university in 4th–5th position overall among several hundred European universities. These accomplishments reflect the sustained efforts of VMU’s sports community — including students, coaches, and administrative staff — as well as a clear strategic direction in developing infrastructure, building competitive teams, and aiming for high-level results on the international stage.