Author: Raminta Kaminskaite,

Photo:bc.lrytas.lt

The winner was only one in this two Titans game and this team was Lietuvos rytas, because the titan character was showed by Lietuvos rytas team in the game with Zalgiris.  They won the battle with the  result 91:74 in the  MasterCard Baltic Basketball league  (BBL) Elite Division

Top scorers:


Lietuvos rytas: A.Baynes 15 (9rebs.), M.Bjelica and B.Popovic – 14, M.Gecevicius 13.

Zalgiris: M.Brown 15, T.Klimavicius 13,  T.Watson 12 (8 rebs.)

The game started with A.Jomantas and A.Baynes 2 points shots (4:0) in Vilnius. The points for the guests for the first time scored M.Brown (4:3). In the middle of this quarter Zalgiris  for the first time in this game was in front of by 1 point (10:11). Rimas Kurtinaitis the head coach of Lietuvos rytas  asked the first time-out when 3 minutes was left and result was 16:12 by Zalgiris. But it not helped. Zalgiris has made a run 5-0 and increased their lead until 9 points (16:25).  This quarter  ended with Lietuvos rytas 2 points shot, but Zalgiris was better   - 18:25.

In the beginning of the second quarter Zalgiris got 9 points advantage (29:20), but later the guests had some problems with offense and Lietuvos rytas scored 2 points.  Immediately, Gintaras Krapikas had coach of Zalgiris asked time-out. It was good decision, because Zalgiris looked more aggressive in the play. After 5 minutes of play D.Salenga shored 2 points and Zalgiris got strong, double digit advantage – 22:32. But Lietuvos rytas did not give up, because at the end of this quarter M.Bjelica scored 2 points with opponents foul and diversity of the the result was one-digit (32:40).  D.Zavackas shot of 2 points then opponents made a foul and G.Krapikas was forced to take  time-out once again. After  that , nice-looking jump shot by M.Kalnietis had ended this quarter.

The third quarter started with amazing dunks made by A.Baynes. Lietuvos rytas has made a run, while Zalgiris was not accurate in their offense. Nevertheless the guest showed character and after  that they could  stabilize the game. Still, A.Baynes was unstopable , because only he shored points for Lietuvos rytas in the first minutes in this quarter. Lietuvos rytas took initiative and result in their favor, because Zalgiris has made  mistakes on the defense, also they were not so aggressive in the offense (55:54, 4 min.). S.Babrauskas shored beautiful 3-pointer with opponent foul and Lietuvos rytas was in front by 5 points (59:54). Soon M.Bjelica added 2 points shot and one free  throw (62:54). But it was not enough for Lietuvos rytas. They not stopped and forced the rhythm in this game – 64:57 after 30 minutes.

In the final quarter the fight between both teams was interesting, but more interesting for Lietuvos rytas fans.  It started with Gecevicius 2 points shot, but Zalgiris answered with 2 points too.  Speaking about the first part of this game Lietuvos rytas was strong in defense, while Zalgiris play was all contrast. Zalgiris did many mistakes in this quarter and Lietuvos rytas used it (73:60, 6min.). After B.Popovic 3 points shot Lietuvos rytas was in front of by 14 points, nothing changed after two minutes more (82:70, 2min.). So, until the end of this quarter Lietuvos rytas kept initiative and assurance, while Zalgiris was not lucky with long range shots at the end. M.Gecevicius shot a 3-pointer and it was the end for Zalgiris. Lietuvos rytas tonight was too good for Kaunas team.