Zalgiris tops Lietuvos Rytas, 66-74 in LKL

Photo: Guillaume Blot

The Lithuanian LKL is already in its sixth round of regular season action this 2016-17. Round 6 brought with it one of the most exciting games of the season thus far. Perennial league powerhouses B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas and Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius locked horns in what would be a battle between two of the LKL’s top teams. In this outing, it would be Zalgiris Kaunas that would prevail against the previously undefeated Lietuvos Rytas, 66-74. The result has both teams sporting identical 5-1 records in the early goings, with Zalgiris claiming the league leadership via tiebreakers.

The hosts would end up claiming the early advantage in the first quarter. Both offenses were revving at high levels and aggressive attacks at the basket would be the be the theme as both clubs have a long history of competitive encounters in the past. David Logan and Rashaun Broadus set the pace for the game and their hot shooting from the outside kept Lietuvos Rytas in control in the first half. Zalgiris would see themselves trailing their rivals, 19-15 at the end of the first frame. The second period was a wash with each club scoring 19-19 points.

The turning point in the game came after the break. Zalgiris dominated the third period, almost shutting down Lietuvos Rytas completely. Improved perimeter defense prevented the hosts from returning to the three-point well they so generously drank from in the first half. Zalgiris capitalized in the shift in momentum and surged ahead 8-22 for quarter three.

The fourth and final frame was fiercely contested by both sides, but Zalgiris’ defense held strong, which allowed them to end up with the well-earned win on the road. Canadian-Slovenian guard Kevin Pangos led Zalgiris with a game-high 16 points. He was their best weapon from deep, knocking down 4-of-7 shots from downtown. Lukas Lekavicius and Edgaras Ulanovas each chipped in 12 points.

Rashaun Broadus and Julius Jucikas led Lietuvos Rytas in scoring with 13 points apiece. David Logan put up a good game with 12 points and three steals.

Photo credit: Guillaume Blot, Instagram: @heyguillaume