In the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL), sponsored by „Betsson“ ,Gargždai (6-9) recorded a dramatic home victory, managing to overcome Rytas Vilnius (9-5) with a score of 82:78 (15:16, 21:15, 23:25, 23:22).
The first meeting between the teams had ended in a blowout victory for the Vilnius side, 99:73.
For Rytas, this was their third consecutive loss in the LKL.
Gargždai started the match stronger as the Rytas offense struggled (6:2). It took half a quarter for Jordan Walker to end the scoring drought for the visitors (4:6), and Artūras Gudaitis soon leveled the score at 6:6. Rytas attempted to take the initiative (9:6) but held only a minimal lead after the first quarter – 16:15.
Gargždai opened the second quarter with a run to lead 23:16. Although Jacob Wiley and Jerrick Harding tried to pull Rytas closer (26:29), the hosts remained in front at halftime – 36:31.
By the break, both teams had made only one three-pointer each – Gargždai 1-of-13 and Rytas 1-of-15.
After the interval, Laurynas Vaištaras and Deividas Gailius pushed the hosts forward (45:36), though Rytas kept pace through free throws. An unsportsmanlike foul was called on Trey Pulliam, and the gap narrowed to a single point (56:57), setting the stage for an intriguing final quarter.
Midway through the fourth, Rytas still trailed narrowly (72:73) after a Simonas Lukošius three-pointer. Jerrick Harding answered a free throw by Paulius Petrilevičius with two of his own (74:74) with 3 minutes remaining. Ignas Sargiūnas converted free throws, but Justin Turner immediately responded with a two-pointer – 76:76. As time wound down with 66 seconds left, Turner scored a crucial basket while being fouled – 79:76.
As both teams’ attacks stalled, Paulius Petrilevičius grabbed an offensive rebound, leading to a foul on Justin Turner. Turner remained composed at the line (81:76), though Ignas Sargiūnas responded with a quick basket – 78:81.
With 10.5 seconds left, Jalon Pipkins made one of two free throws (82:78). Rytas failed to score on their final possession, and the hosts secured the win.
Making his debut for Rytas, Jordan Caroline scored 7 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and recorded 9 efficiency points in 15 minutes.
The returning Kenneth Smith missed three long-range shots in 17 minutes, recorded 2 assists, committed a foul, and finished with -2 efficiency points.
Gargždai: Justin Turner 19 (7/20 FG, 5 reb, 12 eff), Jalon Pipkins 15 (6/15 FG), Deividas Gailius 12 (8 reb, 2/7 3PT), Martinas Meieris 11.
Rytas: Jerrick Harding 23 (5 reb, 27 eff), Jordan Walker 14 (7 ast, 6/18 FG), Artūras Gudaitis 12 (11 reb, 21 eff), Simonas Lukošius 9.