Vilnius Rytas (20-11), returning to the court for the first time since their triumphant FIBA Champions League campaign, demonstrated unwavering focus in their LKL fixture, sponsored by Betsson.
Head coach Giedrius Žibėnas’ squad secured a dominant 117:88 (32:22, 27:13, 28:33, 30:20) road victory over Kėdainiai Nevėžis-Paskolų klubas (8-23). This outcome, marking Nevėžis-Paskolų klubas’ seventh consecutive loss, definitively extinguished their aspirations for a playoff berth.
The Kėdainiai team ultimately forfeited their opportunity to surpass Jonava Hipocredit (9-22), as Jonava holds the decisive head-to-head advantage. Consequently, Steponas Babrauskas’ surprising playoff qualifiers will now face Kauno Žalgiris in their quarterfinal series.
The Vilnius side had already secured the second seed in the regular season prior to this encounter. Yesterday, it was confirmed that Rytas’ quarterfinal opponents will be Utena Juventus.
Martynas Echodas delivered arguably his finest performance of the season, contributing 20 points, 7 rebounds, and an efficiency rating of 25. Close behind in impact were Gytis Masiulis (18 pts, 6 rebs, 22 eff.), Augustas Marčiulionis (17 pts, 4 asts, 4 rebs, 22 eff.), and Simonas Lukošius (16 pts, 4 asts, 19 eff.).
Among the home team, Selton Miguel was the top scorer with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and an efficiency rating of 21. However, Nedas Montvila registered a higher efficiency with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and an efficiency rating of 22.
The capital’s team traveled to Kėdainiai without four key players: Artūras Gudaitis, Speedy Smith, Jerrick Harding, and Jordan Caroline.
Conversely, J.D. Muila, Ignas Vaitkus, Trent McLaughlin, and Joshua Jefferson were unavailable for the Kėdainiai club.
The game commenced with both teams exhibiting high-scoring offensive play, but Rytas swiftly seized control. Following the initial ten minutes, concluded by accurate free throws from Gytis Masiulis, the visitors from Vilnius established a 10-point lead – 22:32. In the second quarter, Nevėžis-Paskolų klubas struggled significantly to score, while Rytas, spearheaded by G. Masiulis and the continued hot hand of Simonas Lukošius, relentlessly expanded their advantage. By halftime, the Vilnius team’s lead had ballooned to a commanding 59:35.
After the intermission, the Kėdainiai squad attempted to stabilize the situation through an improved offensive display, but Vilnius’ attack remained equally potent. Prior to the final quarter, the hosts’ position had marginally improved but offered little genuine hope – 68:87. During the last ten minutes, Kėdainiai proved unable to replicate Rytas’ historic performance in the FIBA Champions League final. The final buzzer thus confirmed the capital club’s victory, which unequivocally eliminated the Kėdainiai side from playoff contention.
Nevėžis-Paskolų klubas scorers: Selton Miguel 24, Kenny Pohto 16, Nedas Montvila 15, Lukas Valantinas 13, Justinas Ramanauskas 10, Jarred Godfrey 8.
Rytas scorers: Martynas Echodas 20, Gytis Masiulis 18, Augustas Marčiulionis 17, Simonas Lukošius 16, Gantas Križanauskas 14, Ignas Sargiūnas 10, Kay’us Bruhnke and Ignas Urbonas 9 each.