In the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL), sponsored by “Betsson”, Panevėžys “Lietkabelis” (15-14) secured a convincing 96:71 (24:19, 24:14, 26:22, 22:16) home victory over Rytas Vilnius (19-11).
This win allowed the Panevėžys side to draw level with “Šiauliai” (15-13), who currently occupy fourth place in the standings.
Rytas was notably shorthanded, missing three pivotal players – Ignas Sargiūnas, Artūras Gudaitis, and Jerrick Harding – due to illness. Lietkabelis also faced absences, with Jamel Morris, Tomas Zdanavičius, and Danielius Lavrinovičius sidelined.
For the Vilnius team, this contest served as a crucial warm-up before their upcoming Champions League Final Four participation in Badalona next week.
Despite the hosts getting off to a better start (11:7), both teams exchanged three-pointers, and Augustas Marčiulionis’ long-range shot momentarily gave Rytas the lead – 12:11. Lazaras Mutičius quickly re-established Lietkabelis’ advantage (21:14), with the Panevėžys squad closing the first quarter ahead 24:19.
Martynas Echodas managed to trim Rytas’ deficit (26:29), but Lietkabelis then embarked on a 7-0 run, extending their lead to 36:26. Nojus Radžius, Paulius Danusevičius, and Kristianas Kullamae steadfastly maintained the hosts’ strong position (48:33), as they largely dominated the first half, concluding it with a commanding 48:33 lead.
Following the halftime break, Lietkabelis intensified their performance, beginning to overwhelm their opponents (55:35). Although Kay’us Bruhnke and Kenneth Smith mounted a brief counter-attack, reducing the score to 41:55, Simas Lukošius soon added another two points, making it 43:55. Despite Rytas’ efforts, including a solid stretch by Gytis Masiulis, Lietkabelis re-stabilized their lead, reaching 74:55.
Timely three-pointers from L. Mutičius and K. Kullamae preserved Lietkabelis’ substantial advantage (80:59), ultimately rendering the final quarter a mere formality.
Rytas committed 17 turnovers compared to just 7 by Panevėžys. Furthermore, Rytas’ three-point shooting efficiency stood at 22% (7/31), while the hosts demonstrated a remarkable 51% (19/37) from beyond the arc.
Source: LKL.lt