A record-breaking three-point show by Jordan Walker powered Rytas Vilnius (9–2) to a confident victory as the LKL, sponsored by Betsson, resumed after the national team break.
Giedrius Žibėnas’ team dominated at home with a 104–74 (27:23, 20:15, 30:16, 27:20) win over Nevėžis–Paskolų klubas of Kėdainiai (3–8), who suffered their fourth straight defeat.
Rytas’ offense was firing from the very start, as the hosts scored 22 points in half a quarter while allowing only 9. That early blow woke the visitors up somewhat. Justinas Ramanauskas took charge, scoring almost all of his team’s points to cut the deficit to one – 21:22.
For a while, Rytas Vilnius couldn’t pull away, but the second half of the second quarter resembled the game’s opening moments. Rytas soon built a double-digit lead (43:33). Before halftime, the visitors trimmed it only slightly – 38:47.
After the break, the new captain of Rytas Vilnius, Artūras Gudaitis, took command. After his free throw, the hosts reached a new record lead (61:41). Then Jordan Walker took over, draining two straight three-pointers and hitting a third while being fouled — though the last basket was waved off. Still, Nevėžis’ hopes continued to fade (49:76).
The fourth quarter became a formality. Rytas kept increasing the margin, enjoying themselves on the court and hunting for the 100-point mark — which Simonas Lukošius finally reached.
Jordan Walker delivered a spectacular offensive performance. The American scored 32 points, hitting 8 of 12 from deep and breaking the season record previously held by Trent McLaughlin (7 threes). He also dished out 5 assists and finished with 36 efficiency points.
Artūras Gudaitis was also highly effective. In his first game as captain, the big man nearly recorded a double-double (15 points, 9 rebounds) for 23 efficiency.
Rytas Vilnius rested Jerrick Harding for this game.
For Nevėžis–Paskolų klubas, the foreign duo of Trent McLaughlin and Ethan Chargois stood out. McLaughlin scored 19 points with 13 efficiency, while Chargois added 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 15 efficiency.
Rytas Vilnius: Jordan Walker 32, Artūras Gudaitis 15, Jacob Wiley 12, Kay Bruhnke and Gytis Masiulis 10 each, Martynas Paliukėnas and Simonas Lukošius 7.
Nevėžis–Paskolų klubas: Trent McLaughlin 19, Ethan Chargois 16, Tyler Peterson and J.D. Muila 10, Justinas Ramanauskas 9.
Source: LKL.lt