The battle for a finals berth in the Lithuanian Basketball League (Betsafe-LKL) has crossed the halfway point, and the Vilnius derby has been nothing short of dramatic. BC Rytas picked up a series-shifting win against Wolves Twinsbet, 86-78 (17-16, 22-27, 27-15, 20-20), in Game 3 of this intense semi-final series.
In the race to three wins, Rytas now leads 2-1. Game 4 will be held on Thursday, May 30, at the Twinsbet Arena.
The two teams fought fiercely in the first half, with both clubs keeping their emotions in check for the most part. By halftime, Wolves Twinsbet held a slim four-point advantage, 43-39.
Rytas quickly erased the deficit in the first minute and a half of the third quarter, taking the lead with Justin Gorham’s basket to make it 44-43. Riding a big offensive wave, Giedrius Žibėnas’ squad started to pull away, prompting Wolves Twinsbet head coach Nedas Pacevičius to call a timeout as the difference reached double-digits, 64-51.
The Wolves Twinsbet’s offense showed signs of life with Rasheed Sulaimon’s three-pointer and Tre’Shawn Thurman’s buzzer-beating bank shot right before the end of the third quarter, closing the gap to 58-66.
In the fourth quarter, the Wolves Twinsbet’s offense largely rested on R. Sulaimon as Rytas continued to surge ahead, leading 74-65. After Rytas registered their biggest lead of the game (14 points), T. Thurman hit a three-pointer while being fouled and sank the bonus free throw, making it 69-79. Gytis Radzevičius and Marcus Foster padded the lead with consecutive baskets, but Wolves Twinsbet fought on with Kristupas Žemaitis nailing a three-pointer with a minute left (78-83). Rytas responded with a G. Radzevičius’ trey to ensure their victory.
R. Sulaimon’s huge game was impressive but ultimately in vain. In 25 minutes, he logged 32 points (10/12 2PT FGs, 6/7 FTs), 3 rebounds, and a 30 Efficiency rating. Unfortunately, he limped off the court with 37 seconds left, appearing to favour his leg. The Wolves also ended the game without Jeffery Taylor.
Wolves Twinsbet struggled from long range, making only 7/26 from three-point distance (27%), dished out just seven assists and lost the rebounding battle 32-44.
BC Žalgiris Kaunas is already waiting for the winners of this series in the final, having earned their berth by sweeping 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevėžys 3-0.
Wolves Twinsbet: Rasheed Sulaimon 32 (10/12 2PT FGs), Kristupas Žemaitis 12 (3/4 3PT FGs), Tre’Shawn Thurman 10 (7 rebounds), Eigirdas Žukauskas 8 (6 rebounds, 4/4 2PT FGs), Jeffery Taylor 6, Christian Mekowulu 5, Artūrs Žagars 4, Regimantas Miniotas 1. Arnas Beručka and Vaidas Kariniauskas played but were held scoreless, and Vitalijus Kozys did not play.
BC Rytas: Marcus Foster 18, Gytis Radzevicius 15, RJ Cole and Justin Gorham 14 each.
(Photo: Saulius Čirba)
