Rytas Vilnius (4–1) bounced back in the Betsafe LKL after two straight losses, defeating Neptūnas Klaipėda (3–2) 97–93 (21–17, 33–27, 19–20, 24–29) in front of a packed Active Vilnius arena, moving past their opponents in the standings.
The visitors started slightly better, taking a 9–5 lead after five minutes. That’s when Gytis Masiulis and Ignas Sargiūnas checked in — and the duo immediately changed the momentum, scoring 13 points to put Rytas ahead 18–11. Neptūnas found their offensive spark in Rihards Lomažs, keeping the margin manageable after the opening quarter – 21–17.
Sargiūnas then took over in the second quarter. He opened with a three-pointer, and after a short rest returned on fire — hitting five more triples and scoring 24 points in the first half alone, making all six of his three-point attempts. Despite that, Rytas couldn’t pull away too far, as Neptūnas received contributions from several players. At halftime, the home team led 54–44.
After the break, Neptūnas made some adjustments, and the Rytas lead began to shrink. Midway through the third, Martynas Pacevičius’ jumper cut the deficit to one (60–61). Rytas responded with strong plays from Jacob Wiley, finishing the quarter ahead by nine — 73–64.
Wiley and Kay Bruhnke caused problems for the visitors, while Donatas Tarolis kept Neptūnas in the game. Neither team could go on a decisive run, which favored Rytas as the clock ticked down.
Neptūnas mounted a final push. With a minute left, they closed the gap to six (95–89), then forced a turnover and scored again (95–91). After another defensive stop, they had a chance to make it a one-possession game, but Arnas Velička’s pass went astray. Following a timeout, Neptūnas stole the ball again, only to lose it immediately. Gytis Radzevičius hit one free throw (96–93), and although Wiley made one of two free throws, it was enough to secure the win.
Sargiūnas was the standout for Rytas with 25 points (2/3 FG, 6/9 3PT, 3/3 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, and 29 efficiency. Wiley added 9 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 22 efficiency, while Bruhnke contributed 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 21 efficiency.
For Neptūnas, Lomažs scored 25 points (5/10 2PT, 2/8 3PT, 9/9 FT), 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 29 efficiency. Tarolis added 23 points (9/11 2PT, 1/3 3PT, 2/2 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists, and 27 efficiency.
Rytas: Ignas Sargiūnas 25, Kay Bruhnke 13, Artūras Gudaitis 12, Gytis Masiulis 10, Gytis Radzevičius 9, Jacob Wiley 9, Martynas Paliukėnas 8, Jordan Walker 8
Neptūnas: Rihards Lomažs 25, Donatas Tarolis 23, Mindaugas Girdžiūnas 10, Arnas Velička 10, James Karnik 9, Martynas Pacevičius 6, Zane Waterman 6