„Rytas“ started slowly and was already trailing the opponents 3:14 in the first minutes, but by the end of the first quarter managed to almost erase the opponents’ lead (22:25).
Read more Almost the entire match played 10 against 11, «Man City» triumphed in the Manchester derby
In the second quarter, „Hapoel“ maintained a small lead, and at the very end of the quarter the team coach Saša Obradović was penalized with a technical foul. By the way, earlier the „Hapoel“ leader Shake Milton also received a technical foul.
The Vilnius team equalized the score for the first time only in the middle of the third quarter (60:60), and shortly after Matas Jogėla put „Rytas“ ahead with a three-pointer (63:61).
„Rytas“ caught fire and played impressively at the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth, and after Gytis Masiulis’ three-pointer built a 16-point lead – 81:65.
In the third quarter alone, „Rytas“ scored as many as 36 points, while the opponents only 19.
„Hapoel“ still managed to close the gap to 5 points (87:92), but the final nails were two more technical fouls earned by the guests – first Kenny Lofton received one, and shortly after S. Obradović, who entered the court, lost his temper and after the second penalty was forced to leave the court prematurely.
Having made many free throws in the last minutes, the Vilnius team managed to protect the fragile lead and win the game.
Read more French Interior Minister urges caution in drawing conclusions about the train accident
We remind that in the tournament semifinal on Saturday „Rytas“ defeated Istanbul’s „Esenler Erokspor“ (Turkey) 104:87, while „Hapoel“ beat Bresse Bourg JL (France) 87:80.
„Rytas“ won all four games in preparation for the season and will now prepare for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup tournament to be held in Beijing (China) from September 22-27, where they will play as last season’s FIBA Champions League winners.
In the Lithuanian Basketball League and FIBA Champions League, the Vilnius team will start only at the beginning of October.
„Rytas“: Matas Jogėla and Gytis Radzevičius with 17 each, Michael Devoe 14 (7 assists), Gytis Masiulis 13, Cassius Winston 12 (5 assists).
„Hapoel“: Kenny Lofton 28 (6 rebounds), Shake Milton 15, David Roddy 11 (7 rebounds), Jaleen Smith (7 assists), Ethan Burgess and Devontae Cacok 10 each.
Read more Vlado Garasto Cup stayed in Klaipėda
