Marcus Foster compares Rytas and Panathinaikos atmospheres / News - Basketnews.com

Marcus Foster compared the Rytas arena experience to playing in a "mini OAKA" and expressed his love for the vibrant atmosphere created by the crowd.

Credit: Žygimantas Gedvila/BNS, LKL Credit Žygimantas Gedvila/BNS, LKL

Current Rytas Vilnius and former Panathinaikos Athens guard Marcus Foster reminisced his time at OAKA Arena after leading his present team to a convincing 94-71 win over Zalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) Finals on Saturday. Rytas, reigning Lithuanian champs, tied the best-of-five series at 1-1.

Free throws this season

74%16,0Points made:16,0Accuracy:74,2%Place in standings:4Record max:26Record min:5Most made FTs:Dwayne BaconTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Foster recorded 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 21 PIR, celebrating his 28th birthday in style.

Rytas fans packed the 2,500-capacity Jeep Arena and made their presence felt from the opening seconds of the game, providing unwavering support to their team. Foster compared the experience to playing in a "mini OAKA" and expressed his love for the vibrant atmosphere created by the crowd.

"That's what it feels like sometimes. We play like in a mini OAKA here, and I love it," Foster said. "I'm telling guys like Justin [Gorham], Jaime [Echenique], and Kendall [McCullum], who haven't played there when we played against Zalgiris that, you know, 'You've had big games with a lot of crowd, but tonight is going to be even crazier than it's ever been.'"

The home crowd's fervor propelled Rytas to a blazing start, going on a 9-0 run and maintaining control of the game throughout.

Reflecting on the passionate support received, head coach Giedrius Zibenas emphasized that Rytas' arena could rival some of the hottest basketball arenas in Europe.

"The fans had a huge contribution. Not only can we draw comparisons, but we can confidently state that our arena rivals the hottest arenas in Europe, perhaps even surpassing them, as we experienced firsthand today. Who doesn't agree is not our problem," Rytas coach said.

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