Lietkabelis kick off LKL finals on high note, steal home-court advantage from Rytas / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: LKL Credit LKL

After forcing Zalgiris to the historic loss in the semifinal series, Lietkabelis Panevezys traveled to the Lithuanian capital to meet regular-season leaders Rytas Vilnius in Game 1 of the Lithuanian Basketball League finals.

3-pointers this season

36%9,9Points made:9,9Accuracy:36,3%Place in standings:5Record max:19Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Gediminas OrelikasTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

The guests managed to overcome Rytas 77-68 (17-26, 19-10, 27-17, 14-15) and grabbed a 1-0 lead in the series up to 4 victories.

The second match will take place on Sunday in Panevezys.

During the last three minutes of the third quarter, Lietkabelis spurted 13-3, while Kristupas Zemaitis put a cherry on top, hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer.

EuroCup's squad was in front by double digits before the last 10 minutes of the match (63-53).

Even though Rytas came within 4 (59-63) at the start of the decisive tally, Lietkabelis closed the match with a 12-5 run. With one minute left, Panagiotis Kalaitzakis fortified the W, nailing both shots from the charity stripe.

Dorde Gagic was the top performer for the winners, accumulating 15 points (5/5 2PT, 5/6 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 25 PIR.

Rytas: Margiris Normantas 11 (5/6 FT), Kenneth Smith 10 (3/8 3PT, 4 AST), Ivan Buva 9 (5/8 FT).

Lietkabelis: Panagiotis Kalaitzakis 16 (5/7 2PT, 6/8 FT), Dorde Gagic 15 (5/5 2PT, 5/6 FT, 5 REB), Vytenis Lipkevicius 11 (6/6 FT, 5 REB, 4 STL), Kristupas Zemaitis 10 (2/5 3PT), Gabrielius Maldunas 10 (5/8 2PT, 7 REB, 4 STL).

Highlights

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