Vilnius Rytas (19-10) has taken a significant stride towards securing second place in the Betsafe-LKL regular season.
Giedrius Žibėnas’ squad triumphed over Klaipėda Neptūnas (16-12) with a score of 98:91 (24:24, 21:22, 22:20, 30:22) on the road, solidifying their position in second place in the standings.
This victory guarantees Rytas the head-to-head advantage. Neptūnas’ only remaining option to achieve a head-to-head advantage is to win their remaining four matches and hope for three losses from Rytas in as many possible games. In such a scenario, Neptūnas would overtake Rytas by one win.
Gytis Masiulis was the most valuable player for the winners this time, scoring 19 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and accumulating 26 efficiency points.
Speedy Smith was not far behind – the American played a versatile game, adding 10 assists and 6 rebounds to his 9 points, for a total of 24 efficiency points. Artūras Gudaitis also contributed significantly (19 pts, 3 reb, 20 eff. pts).
For the losing side, neither the prolific Rihards Lomažs (24 pts, 5 ast, 22 eff. pts) nor Arnas Velička, who recorded a double-double (10 pts, 13 ast, 20 eff. pts), could salvage the game. The big men were also solid – Donatas Tarolis (18 pts, 5 reb, 21 eff. pts) and Aurimas Majauskas (12 pts, 6 reb, 19 eff. pts).
Martynas Pacevičius’ return to the court after almost half a year away from basketball was a positive development.
The visitors started the game with 5 points in the first minute, but the hosts quickly got into their rhythm. Although Rytas initially held the lead for a bit longer, Neptūnas was ahead by the end of the first quarter. However, after ten minutes, the scoreboard showed a tie – 24:24.
The second quarter unfolded almost identically, with neither team managing to gain a substantial lead. After an intensely contested battle, Rytas maintained a minimal advantage and led 46:45 at halftime.
After the break, Rytas gained a relatively significant lead in the context of this game (54:48). However, they couldn’t capitalize on it and pull away. Towards the end of the quarter, the port city’s basketball players regained the lead, carrying a minimal reserve into the decisive ten-minute stretch – 67:66.
As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, the Lithuanian vice-champions managed to create a more comfortable situation for themselves (87:78). Time was running out, and the hosts couldn’t cut into the deficit. A more confident finish to the game ultimately secured a crucial victory for Rytas on their opponent’s home turf.
Neptūnas: Rihards Lomažs 24, Donatas Tarolis 18, Aurimas Majauskas 12, Mindaugas Girdžiūnas and Arnas Velička 10 each, Karlis Šilinis 6.
Rytas: Artūras Gudaitis and Gytis Masiulis 19 each, Ignas Sargiūnas 14, Martynas Paliukėnas 10, Speedy Smith 9, Kay’us Bruhnke and Jerrickas Harding 7 each, Jordanas Caroline 6.
Source: LKL.lt