By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
A true classic was played in the Jeep Arena. Considered the biggest clash in Lithuania, the Vilnius crowd witnessed a fighting spirit from the Rytas players and savored a stunning upset. The reigning Betsafe-LKL champions labeled as the underdog entering the battle managed to force Zalgiris to its first loss of the season in the domestic competition, 89-85.
It seems that Zalgiris players were emotionally drained and tired after the big Turkish Airlines EuroLeague win against Alba Berlin. Rytas took advantage and with a big fourth-quarter comeback stole the game.
Zalgiris was in control most of the time but fell short to secure a safe lead. In the end, they did not have an answer for the late surge that secured an incredible win for the determined Vilnius outfit.
In its second straight win on the heels of three consecutive LKL losses, the Basketball Champions League outfit scored 26 points in the last 10 minutes which was enough to come back from a six-point deficit after three quarters.
The hero of the game was Marcus Foster who scored 34 points. In an amazing shooting performance, he drained six three-pointers. Martynas Echodas had 12 points and Elvar Mar Fridriksson chipped in 10 more points.
Ignas Brazdeikis led Zalgiris with 18 points. Keenan Evans added 13 points. But it was not enough to secure the seventh win in a row. Up next is EuroLeague Round 7 and the away fixture opposite LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne set to be held Thursday.
Standings: Zalgiris 7-1, Jonava, 6-1, Lietkabelis, 6-2, Rytas 5-3, BC Wolves 5-3…