Rytas Vilnius continues its run in the FIBA Champions League “Top 16” stage. The squad led by Giedrius Žibėnas suffered an away defeat against Le Mans Sarthe Basket after a fluctuating battle, losing 72-78 (18:17, 25:15, 12:25, 17:21).
Rytas started the game strong—Jacob Wiley nailed a three-pointer in the very first minute, and following long-range shots from Simonas Lukošius and Speedy Smith, the visitors pulled away (11-4). Although the hosts tried to close the gap with spectacular dunks by Lucas Dufeal, Gytis Masiulis and Kay Bruhnke converted their shots to help Rytas stay ahead 18-17 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Rytas stepped up the pace. They bombarded the opponents’ basket with three-pointers, and after Jordan Walker’s long-range shot, the lead reached a record 14 points (38-24). Playing disciplined defense, the Vilnius side went into the halftime break with a solid cushion—43-32.
The momentum shifted after the break. Le Mans Sarthe Basket players, who hadn’t made a single three-pointer until then, found their rhythm from deep. The Rytas offense began to stall, and in the 28th minute, a two-pointer by W. Yeguete put the hosts in the lead for the first time (52-51). Rytas managed only 12 points in the third quarter and trailed 55-57 before the final stretch.
True drama unfolded in the fourth quarter. While Bogues Jr. tried to increase the French side’s lead, a dunk by Wiley and a two-pointer by Smith kept Rytas in the game (61-61). With less than 3 minutes remaining, Ignas Sargiūnas hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the score (66-66). However, Johnny Berhanemeskel took over in the closing moments, scoring four consecutive points. The hopes of Rytas were finally dashed by an offensive foul from Smith with 30 seconds left and accurate free throws from the hosts.
Jacob Wiley was the most efficient player for Rytas, recording 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 17 efficiency points.
Following this defeat, Rytas sits in third place in Group I with one victory and will play their next game next week against Hapoel Holon.
Rytas: Gytis Masiulis 11, Jacob Wiley 9 (6 reb.), Jordan Walker 9, Artūras Gudaitis 8 (6 reb.), Speedy Smith 8 (4 ast., 5 TO), Simonas Lukošius 8.