On Wednesday evening, Rytas Vilnius was unable to finish the FIBA Champions League group stage on a high note. Without head coach Giedrius Žibėnas on the sidelines, the team fell 111–95 (18–32, 34–22, 35–22, 24–19) to Promitheas Patras Vikos Cola in Greece, marking their second loss in the group stage.
Rytas started the game strongly, scoring 32 points in the first quarter and quickly building a double-digit lead (18–32). However, Promitheas responded in the second quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and reducing the deficit to just five points (37–44). Despite a timeout and a brief Rytas rally, the halftime score was narrowly in favor of Rytas – 54–52.
After the break, the momentum shifted to the home team. Claudellis Harris Jr. opened the third quarter with a three-pointer, giving Promitheas the lead for the first time (55–54). The Greek side then extended their advantage to double digits (68–58) through efficient scoring, and by the end of the quarter, Rytas trailed 87–76.
Rytas tried to fight back in the final quarter, narrowing the gap to 95–88, but Promitheas maintained control and secured their third win in the FIBA group stage, finishing 111–95.
It’s important to note that Rytas Vilnius had already secured a spot in the FIBA Champions League Top-16 ahead of this game.