In the latest episode of ME2U: Up Close, viewers are taken inside an intense playoff series, the story of a longtime fan, and a glimpse at the finals.
Vilnius Rytas’ documentary series ME2U: Up Close returns with another open and emotional look into the lives of the team and the people around it. In the newest episode, “While the Heart Beats,” viewers see Artūras Gudaitis’ arrival, the final moments of the regular season, the tense five-game semifinal series against 7bet Lietkabelis, Savion Flagg’s injury, a look ahead to the finals, and the authentic story of longtime fan Antanas.
“I often stopped by my favorite bar in Section B, Laiko Ratas. One of the leaders there, Povilas, suggested I join the larger support group if I wanted. I was curious about their trips and activities, and that’s how I ended up in Section B. That’s when I realized how great it is to support the team during away games.”
From joining the active fan base back when the team had its construction-company name, Antanas traveled to more than 20 away games across Europe, from Bilbao to Milan.
His memories reflect not only victories but also challenges: fan conflicts, emotional highs and lows. Despite all difficulties, both external and internal, Antanas never stepped away—even when conflicts or decisions temporarily barred him from attending games.
“I’d say there were already quite a few of us back then. Our support was strong. It stayed that way until around 2010, until Ginevičius came to Lietuvos Rytas. That’s when arguments began about how we were welcoming players from our biggest rivals, how things could be like that,” Antanas recalled about the internal fan conflicts. “I think that’s when the ‘ice age’ was declared. At least for me, I was barred from attending games for a while. There was a pause, but things eventually got better. New young leaders arrived, who still lead today, and the support truly revived. A connection formed with the entire arena, and the atmosphere is amazing.”
Despite the years and challenges, Antanas never considered leaving the fan group. The Rytas team became a part of his life, one he loves and supports wholeheartedly.
“Our goal is to support the team so they play their best and win. Of course, everyone wants that, but it doesn’t always happen,” Antanas said. “It’s a pull that makes you feel like you could leave, but I left my job, and I can’t leave Rytas yet. Of course, a time will come when we all leave, but not yet. Not yet.”
The episode also offers a look at the team’s thoughts and emotions during the intense, physical, and emotional semifinal series, as well as a preview of the finals against Kaunas Žalgiris starting today.
“The fight will be much tougher than the semifinals. We need to stay focused. We cannot look like we did in Panevėžys. We won’t, because we have to be hungrier and want it more. That’s the only way we can compete. We won’t beat Žalgiris five-on-five—we have to beat them with desire, energy, and qualities that go beyond basketball,” Artūras Gudaitis said.
“We can’t celebrate too much. The work isn’t done. Three games are left. Yes, we’re not the favorites, but we’ll fight for the title like devils. We won’t give anything away. No matter how they play, we only focus on ourselves. Today we defeated ourselves, we were focused. That’s the only chance we have,” Vilnius Rytas head coach Giedrius Žibėnas said after reaching the finals.
ME2U: Up Close is more than just a basketball documentary. It’s about victories, defeats, the most emotional moments, and the story of people for whom Rytas is not just a club, but a meaningful part of life.
Watch the full episode “While the Heart Beats” here.