Lithuanian derby: Buva and Girdziunas combine for 42 points as Rytas hand Zalgiris their first Lithuanian League loss / News - Basketnews.com

Credit BasketNews/D.Repečka

Rytas Vilnius (7-1) defeated Zalgiris Kaunas (8-1) 84-75 (21-18, 25-8, 17-21, 21-28) in the Lithuanian Basketball League. The Green and Whites suffered their first blow in the local competition.

Points this season

39%79,3Points made:79,3Accuracy:39,3%Place in standings:13Record max:87Record min:72Best scorer:Ivan BuvaTeamBCLStatisticsSchedule

After the close first period, Rytas dominated in the second quarter, outscoring Zalgiris by 17 points. Rytas created a 24-point lead (46-22) and it seemed more than enough for the convincing victory.

However, Zalgiris did not raise a white flag and came back to the game in the fourth period. The Kaunas club cut the deficit to just 5 points (73-78), despite being 20 points behind at the start of the decisive period (50-70).

Lukas Lekavicius fired up the team but Kenneth Smith hit a crucial trey and sealed the deal for Rytas.

For the winners, Mindaugas Girdziunas posted 21 points (5/5 2PT, 1/4 3PT, 8/8 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 27 PIR. Ivan Buva added 21 points (7/8 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 7/9 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 turnovers, and 21 PIR.

Lukas Lekavicus led the route for Zalgiris, posting 23 points (5/8 2PT, 4/6 3PT, 1/1 FT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 27 PIR.

Rytas: Mindaugas Girdziunas 21, Ivan Buva 21, Lukas Uleckas 11.

Zalgiris: Lukas Lekavicius 23, Josh Nebo 12, Mantas Kalnietis 8, Arturas Milaknis 8.

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