Rytas Vilnius (2–0) added another win in the Lithuanian Basketball League, sponsored by Betsson, without major problems.
Giedrius Žibėnas’ squad dominated at home, defeating Gargždai 99–73 (29–19, 31–16, 14–21, 25–17).
Gargždai were still missing key big man Paulius Petrilevičius, while Rytas played without Jordan Walker.
The hosts pulled away from the very beginning (9–2), with Trey Pulliam’s points offering little help to Gargždai. Nojus Mineikis cut the gap, but missed free throws by Gytis Masiulis were quickly compensated by Kay Bruhnke — 18–10. Free throw struggles were present on both sides, but it worked in Rytas’ favor, as they gradually pulled away (21–10), finishing the first quarter ahead 29–19.
Thanks to Jacob Wiley, Rytas consolidated its position (40–23), and shots from Wiley and Simonas Lukošius turned the lead into a blowout — 44–23. Gargždai’s situation worsened (29–55), and the hosts dominated to lead 60–35 at halftime.
Although it seemed unlikely that the visitors could come back, Gargždai attempted a run. An 11–0 stretch made it 49–66, but after five minutes of Rytas’ scoring drought, S. Lukošius scored free throws — 68–49. I. Sargiūnas hit a three-pointer, followed by a two-pointer, allowing Rytas to feel comfortable heading into the final quarter — 74–56.
The entire fourth quarter remained, but Jerrick Harding, Gytis Radzevičius, and Artūras Gudaitis secured the win for the hosts — 82–61.
Rytas’ most efficient players were Artūras Gudaitis (14 points, 10 rebounds, 27 efficiency) and Jacob Wiley (19 points, 8 rebounds, 25 efficiency).
RytasŲ Jacob Wiley 19 (8 rebounds, 25 efficiency, 20 min), Jerrick Harding 15, Artūras Gudaitis 14 (10 rebounds, 27 efficiency, 21 min), Ignas Sargiūnas 13, Simonas Lukošius 12.
Gargždai: Trey Pulliam 17, Joshua Hagins 11, Džiugas Slavinskas 11, Darylas Doualla 10, Nojus Mineikis 9.