Rytas Vilnius (4–2) suffered their second defeat of the season in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL), falling 89–94 (21–25, 28–17, 20–28, 20–24) to Žalgiris Kaunas (8–0).
The game, broadcast live on LNK television for the first time, attracted 8,223 spectators to Arena Vilnius, setting a new attendance record for the league this season.
Dustin Sleva was the driving force behind the visitors’ victory. The American finished with 24 points (2/3 2PT, 6/8 3PT, 2/2 FT), matching his career high, along with 9 rebounds and a career-high 31 efficiency points.
Augustas Marčiulionis led the way for Rytas, scoring 24 points (6/9 2PT, 3/6 3PT, 3/3 FT), dishing out 3 assists and recording a career-high 27 efficiency points.
Žalgiris were without Ąžuolas Tubelis, Keenan Evans and Marek Blaževič, while Rytas were missing three injured players – Matas Jogėla, Martynas Paliukėnas and Ignas Urbonas.
The game began evenly, with the teams tied at 12–12 midway through the opening quarter. However, the visitors, led by Marius Grigonis, gradually began to take control (23–16). Rytas managed to reduce the deficit before the end of the first quarter, trailing 21–25.
The duo of Augustas Marčiulionis and Artūras Gudaitis then found their rhythm, helping Rytas not only level the score (28–28) but also pull away from their opponents. While Žalgiris struggled offensively, several Rytas players contributed to extending the lead into double digits (43–33). Sleva helped bring the visitors back into contention (40–45), but it was the home fans who had more reason to celebrate at halftime, with Rytas leading 49–42.
After the break, Carsen Edwards made an immediate impact, scoring points and providing assists to help Žalgiris quickly restore parity (58–58). However, even after regaining the initiative, the visitors were unable to shake off Rytas, who remained within striking distance. Heading into the final quarter, Žalgiris held the narrowest of leads at 70–69.
Early in the fourth quarter, it appeared that the game was reaching a turning point. Sleva continued his impressive performance, receiving valuable support from Maodo Lo, as Žalgiris established a more comfortable advantage (80–73).
Nevertheless, Rytas refused to surrender and, with four minutes remaining, had reduced the deficit to just three points (82–85).
Žalgiris only managed to secure the victory in the closing minutes, using their determination and hustle to score crucial points while holding off Rytas’ attempts to mount a dramatic comeback.
Rytas: Augustas Marčiulionis 24, Artūras Gudaitis 16, Cassius Winston 15, Gytis Radzevičius 10, Michael Devoe 8, Ricky Lindo and Gytis Masiulis 6 each.
Žalgiris: Dustin Sleva 24, Jonas Valančiūnas 15, Carsen Edwards 14, Marius Grigonis 12, Dovis Giedraitis 9, Maodo Lo 7.