Rytas started the new Betsafe LKL season with a convincing victory.
Giedrius Žibėnas’ squad defeated Kėdainiai Nevėžis-Paskolų klubas 82:64 (23:21, 27:14, 17:16, 15:13) on the road.
The hosts opened the game with some long-range shots and took an early lead (12:7), but Jerrick Harding quickly swung the score in Rytas’ favor — 13:12. Kėdainiai didn’t allow the visitors to pull away immediately, though Artūras Gudaitis and J. Harding scored key points to make it 28:22. Thanks to Martynas Paliukėnas, Rytas’ lead reached double digits for the first time (32:22) and continued to grow — 40:25.
After the break, Rytas’ advantage became overwhelming (56:35), even though Tony Perkins scored a few baskets — 44:60. Nevėžis-Paskolų klubas briefly reduced the deficit to around ten points (51:61), prompting Žibėnas to call a timeout. Afterward, the hosts couldn’t score, and Rytas stabilized the situation — 67:51.
The visitors felt comfortable (70:54) and secured the win without major problems.
The standout for Rytas was Jerrick Harding, who scored 24 points, dished 5 assists, and posted 27 efficiency. Captain Gytis Radzevičius added 15 points.
For Kėdainiai, Tony Perkins led the scoring with 20 points, while J.D. Muil added 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Jordan Walker and Gytis Masiulis did not play for Rytas.
Nevėžis-Paskolų klubas: Tony Perkins 20, J.D. Muil 14, Ignas Vaitkus 8, Tyler Peterson 6.
Rytas: Jerrick Harding 24, Gytis Radzevičius 15 (6 rebounds, 4 assists), Artūras Gudaitis 13 (7 rebounds), Jacob Wiley 9, Ignas Sargiūnas 8.