On Tuesday evening, Rytas secured a spot in the FIBA Champions League Top 16 stage. Giedrius Žibėnas’ team, after an extremely tough and fluctuating game, defeated Warsaw Legia 77-79 (25:22, 17:20, 16:17, 12:20).
Gytis Radzevičius opened the game with a precise three-pointer, and Martynas Paliukėnas added four more points in fast breaks, giving Rytas Vilnius an early lead (0:7). However, it quickly disappeared – Ojars Silins opened the opponents’ scoring with a three-pointer, and Rytas’ offense stalled for a while (15:18). The capital team was punished by Jayvon Graves, who had played in Vilnius last year, and he soon tied the score (20:20). The teams traded successful shots, but after the first quarter, Rytas trailed by three points – 25:22.
The second quarter started more actively for Rytas. Led by Jerrick Harding, Rytas not only overturned the score but also built a small lead (27:29). However, when he left the court, the capital team’s offense stalled again, and Ojars Silins and Race Thompson began to dominate (34:29). With just under four minutes remaining, Jacob Wiley tried to spark his team (35:31). After exchanging precise attacks, Gytis Masiulis reduced the gap with free throws, and two successful Jerrick Harding plays in a row put Rytas back in front (40:42). The teams went into halftime with the scoreboard showing a tie – 42:42.
After the break, the game became more sluggish. For almost two minutes, neither team scored, but A. Gudaitis opened Rytas’ account with free throws. Maintaining the lead proved difficult, as Jayvon Graves soon punished the capital team again (45:44). Both teams struggled to score, but soon Rytas woke up. Gytis Radzevičius regained the lead, and Jordan Walker, with two successful attacks and a free throw, extended the advantage, with Jacob Wiley adding another two points (45:53). The home team failed to respond, and Ignas Sargiūnas added two more points (47:55). Ignas Sargiūnas scored again, Jayvon Graves answered, and Carl Ponsar added two free throws for the opponents (53:57). Soon the opponents woke up – Andrzej Pluta hit a long-range shot, and Carl Ponsar added two more points, reducing Rytas’ lead to a minimal 58-59.
The quarter began for Rytas with two successful free throws from Jordan Walker, and soon another long-range shot followed (58:64). Andrzej Pluta responded with a precise shot, continuing his impressive play, and added another two points shortly after (62:64). Rytas Vilnius made a turnover, allowing the opponents to tie and soon take the lead with a shot from Race Thompson (67:64). G. Masiulis reduced the Polish lead, Carl Ponsar answered with a basket, and soon added three more points (72:66). A timeout called by G. Žibėnas seemed to help Rytas. Jacob Wiley scored two points to reduce the deficit, but not for long, as Race Thompson added another two points (74:68). Gytis Radzevičius reduced the gap to a single point (74:73). Jerrick Harding regained the lead (74:75) and added two points in the final minute (74:77). The opponents called a timeout. M. Paliukėnas committed a defensive foul, Jayvon Graves made one successful free throw, and Giedrius Žibėnas called the final timeout of the game. Ignas Sargiūnas ran down the clock, Gytis Masiulis made one successful free throw (75:78). Ignas Sargiūnas fouled on a three-point attempt, Andrzej Pluta made two free throws, and Gytis Masiulis drew a foul with 1.1 seconds remaining (77:78). Masiulis made both free throws, the opponents attempted a last long-range shot, but Rytas celebrated a 77-79 victory.
The victory in Warsaw, combined with the result in Heidelberg, allowed team from Vilnius to secure a direct ticket to the FIBA Champions League Top 16 stage.