The youth team of Rytas Vilnius capped off the international FIBA Next Gen Hoops Invitational in the capital with a convincing victory. In their second game, the city’s young players demonstrated top-level preparation once again, defeating the elite U.S. youth program The Grind Session 103-83.
“This was important for me as a coach. The players got to experience a different style of play, a much more physical defense, something they may not have faced before,” said head coach Gintaras Kadžiulis after the game. “It was a great opportunity, and I’m glad we got the chance to compete against a team of this level from the United States.”
Rytas started the game strongly. Accurate shots from Arminas Vilkas, Ignas Urbonas, and Gabrielius Bubnys gave the hosts a quick seven-point lead (7-0). The U.S. team responded through Michael Jones, Jayden Robinson, and Seven Spurlock, narrowing the gap to 7-6, and Brandon Mason soon gave the visitors the lead at 7-9. Both teams traded successful attacks, but Santonio Wade helped The Grind Session regain the lead at 16-18. Rytas struggled offensively, and the first quarter ended with the home team trailing 17-24.
The second quarter was a fiercely contested back-and-forth battle. Early on, the hosts went on a run with Erikas Sirgedas and Adomas Pocius hitting key shots. Rokas Norutis added two points with a foul after Bradley Floyd scored, leveling the score at 24-24. Midway through the quarter, the game was tied again at 30-30.
Arminas Vilkas and Mantas Liutkevičius pushed Rytas ahead 37-33, but Bradley Floyd converted free throws and added two more points off a turnover to give the U.S. team a 40-37 edge. The quarter continued with intense play, but Rytas regained control before halftime. Elijah Thomas scored for The Grind Session, yet Erikas Sirgedas made the final first-half play, sending the Vilnius team into the break with a seven-point lead, 46-39.
The second half opened well for Rytas , with Mantas Liutkevičius adding two points and then hitting a three-pointer to extend the lead to 51-39. The teams exchanged baskets, and three minutes into the third quarter, Rytas had built a double-digit lead at 64-46. Although the U.S. team managed to reduce the deficit to 71-57 by the end of the quarter, the fourth quarter was largely a formality, and the Rytas youth celebrated a decisive 103-83 victory.
Rytas Vilnius’ triumph was marred by an injury to Rokas Norutis, and the team wishes him a speedy recovery and strength.
Rytas: Mantas Liutkevičius 21, Ignas Urbonas 15, Arminas Vilkas 16, Gabrielius Bubnys 11, Adomas Pocius 12
The Grind Session: Brandon Mason 21, Seven Spurlock 16, Michael Jones 15, Santonio Wade 9, Jaylin Conard 5