Rytas Vilnius showcased incredible grit and, after a dramatic road battle, edged out ERA Nymburk 70:69. This victory propels Rytas into the club’s first-ever FIBA Champions League Final Four, set to take place from May 7-9 in Badalona, Spain.
Nymburk started strong, with Tony Perkins hitting a three-pointer with a foul to establish an early lead (11:3). However, Rytas quickly stabilized: Ignas Sargiūnas notched 5 consecutive points, and efficient interior plays from Artūras Gudaitis and Kay Bruhnke brought Rytas within striking distance (11:9). Towards the end of the quarter, the Vilnius squad seized momentum. Gytis Masiulis, coming off the bench, contributed 4 points and solid defensive play, and Simonas Lukošiūnas’ three-pointer off an Augustas Marčiulionis assist gave Rytas their first lead (19:21). ERA Nymburk tied the game in the final minute, leaving the score knotted at 21:21 after the opening frame.
The second quarter saw an even contest, with both teams trading blows. Gytis Masiulis continued to shine for Rytas, his free throws and accurate three-pointer preventing Nymburk from pulling away. Jordan Caroline and Augustas Marčiulionis added crucial points with drives, and with 20 seconds remaining, Tony Perkins’ free throws kept the score tied (38:38). However, the quarter concluded with a cold shower for Rytas: after an offensive turnover, Ondrej Sehnal banked in an improbable shot from beyond half-court as the buzzer sounded, putting Nymburk up 41:38.
In the third quarter, Rytas repeatedly breathed down their opponents’ necks, closing the gap to a single possession multiple times. Ignas Sargiūnas and Kay Bruhnke’s successful drives and free throws prevented Nymburk from creating separation, while Jerrick Harding and Speedy Smith’s mid-quarter buckets maintained maximum tension. Unfortunately for Rytas, the quarter ended poorly: after a string of offensive miscues, ERA Nymburk capitalized with a run. Martin Kriz’s three-pointer and Matej Svoboda’s transition layup after a steal gave Nymburk their largest lead of the game heading into the final period – 60:52.
Rytas launched a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. Jerrick Harding and Artūras Gudaitis ignited their offense, and after Speedy Smith’s three-pointer and a powerful fast-break dunk from Gudaitis, the deficit shrunk to just two points (66:64). With one minute left, Kay Bruhnke’s free throws brought the visitors within a single shot (69:68).
The game’s climax unfolded in the final 6 seconds. Ignas Sargiūnas stepped to the free-throw line for three attempts. Though the first missed, the subsequent two found their mark, putting Rytas ahead (69:70). On Nymburk’s final possession, Rytas’ defense held strong: J. Bohacik’s three-point attempt and J. Lawrence’s shot from under the basket both missed their target, and Gytis Masiulis secured the defensive rebound as the final buzzer sounded, sealing the victory.
From May 7-9, Vilnius Rytas will write a new chapter in the club’s history in Badalona, where they will compete for the FIBA Champions League title for the first time ever.
Rytas scorers: Ignas Sargiūnas 12, Gytis Masiulis 11 (8 rebounds), Jerrick Harding 10, Artūras Gudaitis 9, Kay Bruhnke 8, Speedy Smith 7, Simonas Lukošiūnas 6, Augustas Marčiulionis 4, Martynas Paliukėnas 3.