Rytas Vilnius (2-2) took a massive step forward in the FIBA Basketball Champions League “Top 16” stage, securing a vital 106-98 (26:25, 28:25, 28:22, 24:25) road victory over Hapoel Holon (0-4). By completing the season sweep of the Israeli side in this high-scoring thriller, Giedrius Žibėnas’ squad has kept their quarterfinal aspirations firmly within reach.
The contest began with Rytas setting a blistering tempo, quickly establishing a 14-7 lead. However, the hosts found an answer in Adama Sanogo, who dominated the first quarter with 15 points. While Hapoel briefly seized momentum with a 9-0 run, Ignas Sargiūnas closed the period with a timely three-pointer to restore a narrow one-point lead for the visitors.
The intensity shifted into a higher gear in the second quarter. Although Hapoel started the frame stronger to reclaim a 30-26 advantage, the individual brilliance of Sargiūnas and Jerrick Harding allowed Rytas to maintain parity. Following a physical first half, capped by another successful drive from Sargiūnas, the capital city club headed into the locker room with a 54-51 lead.
The game reached its boiling point midway through the third quarter. With six minutes remaining in the period, a physical battle for a loose ball between Harding and Sanogo ignited a mass altercation involving players from both teams. After a lengthy video review, officials determined that Sanogo had struck Gytis Masiulis in the neck area. The Hapoel center was subsequently disqualified, while Masiulis was assessed an unsportsmanlike foul. Deprived of their primary offensive weapon, the hosts struggled to find rhythm, allowing Rytas to capitalize. Behind triples from Harding and Jordan Walker, Vilnius built a nine-point cushion (82-73) heading into the final frame.
Rytas tightened their grip on the game in the fourth quarter. A scoring burst from Simas Lukošius and Sargiūnas saw the lead swell to a game-high 16 points (89-73). While Hapoel mounted a late comeback attempt to trim the deficit to single digits, Giedrius Žibėnas’ men remained composed under pressure to seal the high-stakes victory.
Rytas Vilnius will continue their Champions League campaign at home on March 11, when they host Le Mans Sarthe Basket. Tickets are available at bilietai.lt.