Rytas Vilnius (10-7) fought hard to end a five-game losing streak, overcoming Jonava Hipocredit (2-15) on the road with a final score of 101:84 (20:25, 30:23, 25:23, 26:13).
In their previous matchups this season, Rytas had dominated the Jonava side with convincing victories of 104:72 and 105:71.
The hosts started the game strong, pulling ahead 11:3. Artūras Gudaitis and Jerrick Harding attempted to narrow the gap (8:15), but progress was slow as Jonava Hipocredit launched another effective run to lead 22:8. However, three-pointers from Ignas Sargiūnas and Gytis Masiulis helped Rytas close the first quarter trailing by only five points, 20:25.
Early in the second period, shots from I. Sargiūnas and Jordan Caroline tipped the scales in favor of the visitors (26:25). While Rytas looked to seize control, Džiugas Slavinskas and Lukas Kreišmontas provided an immediate response (34:33). Rytas finished the first half stronger, though they held only a fragile lead at the break, 50:48.
The neck-and-neck battle continued after the interval. Rytas managed to gain some ground (77:73), but Adomas Sidarevičius and Lesley Varner leveled the score at 77:77. Crucial points from G. Masiulis and I. Sargiūnas then dealt a heavy blow to Jonava Hipocredit, pushing the lead to a then-record 86:77.
Dž. Slavinskas and L. Varner briefly kept the hosts’ hopes alive (81:86), but the Rytas imports quickly extinguished them, extending the lead to 93:81. With only three minutes remaining, the outcome was effectively decided.
With 71 seconds left on the clock, Steponas Babrauskas was sent to the locker room following an emotional outburst on the sidelines.
Jordan Caroline led Rytas with 26 points, though Gytis Masiulis narrowly surpassed him in overall efficiency, recording 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 22 efficiency points.
Jonava Hipocredit: Džiugas Slavinskas 19 (6 reb.), Makai Ashton 15 (5 ast.), Lesley Varner 13, Olin Carter 8, Adomas Sidarevičius 7 (7 ast., 16 eff. pts.).
Rytas: Jordan Caroline 26, Gytis Masiulis 13 (6 reb.), Jerrick Harding 15, Jordan Walker 14, Artūras Gudaitis 12 (10 reb.).