Tomo Masiulis’ side secured a 90–81 (23:20, 27:18, 22:19, 18:24) victory over Rytas Vilnius (9–4) in the capital, extending their domestic winning streak to seven games.
The matchup was played in a sold-out Twinsbet Arena, packed with more than 9,000 fans.
Žalgiris had also prevailed in the first meeting between the teams earlier this season in Kaunas, where they edged Rytas 79–75.
The visitors made a slightly better start to the game, with Edgaras Ulanovas and Ąžuolas Tubelis leading the way (10–4). Rytas responded well, first catching up and then taking the lead themselves (18–15). Still, a late three-pointer by Sylvain Francisco allowed the Kaunas side to regain a narrow advantage at the end of the opening quarter — 23–20.
Žalgiris opened the second quarter with a strong 10–3 run in less than three minutes, building their first double-digit lead of the night (33–23). Rytas’ struggles continued toward the end of the half, when a long-range shot by Dustin Sleva pushed the Lithuanian champions ahead by 17 points (48–31). The hosts managed to respond in the final minute before halftime and slightly cut the deficit to 38–50.
Despite showing energy after the break, Rytas were unable to produce tangible results. Žalgiris quickly stabilized the situation and did not allow the margin to shrink into single digits. At one point, the visitors pulled away again and entered the decisive quarter with a comfortable cushion — 72–57.
Soon after, Žalgiris extended their lead to 20 points, but backed by loud home support, Rytas mounted a comeback behind the leadership of Jerrick Harding (69–81). As time ticked away, the Vilnius side closed the gap even further (81–88). A crucial two-pointer by Moses Wright extinguished the comeback hopes (90–81). Following an Akvilė timeout, Rytas’ chances finally faded and the green-and-whites celebrated the victory.
Among the winners, Ąžuolas Tubelis delivered the most efficient performance in his first return to his former team’s home arena wearing opponents’ colors. The forward finished just shy of a double-double with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 18 efficiency points.
Tubelis was named the game’s MVP, and his signed jersey will be auctioned as part of the LKL charity caravan, with proceeds supporting the Lithuanian Autism Association “Lietaus vaikai”.
Sylvain Francisco also came close to a double-double, recording 13 points, 9 assists and 14 efficiency points. Moses Wright led all scorers for Žalgiris with 15 points.
For Rytas Vilnius, Jerrick Harding was outstanding with 25 points (9/19 2FG, 7/7 FT) and 25 efficiency points. The big men also stood out — Jacob Wiley posted 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 21 efficiency points, while Artūras Gudaitis added 9 points, 10 rebounds and 13 efficiency points.
Žalgiris played without Dovydas Giedraitis and Maodo Lo, while Rytas head coach Giedrius Žibėnas was unable to rely on Martynas Paliukėnas.
Rytas Vilnius:
Jerrick Harding 25, Jordan Walker 15, Jacob Wiley 12, Gytis Masiulis 11, Artūras Gudaitis 9, Simonas Lukošius 7.
Žalgiris:
Moses Wright 15, Sylvain Francisco 13, Ąžuolas Tubelis and Deividas Sirvydis 12 each, Edgaras Ulanovas and Nigel Williams-Goss 10 each.