Zalgiris Kaunas (25-1) were once again victorious in Vilnius in Lithuanian Basketball League action, despite playing without Sylvain Francisco, Moses Wright, Nigel Williams-Goss, and Azuolas Tubelis. Tomas Masiulis’ team defeated Rytas Vilnius (15-10) for the fifth time this season, winning 75-70.

Zalgiris opened the game with early baskets from Laurynas Birutis, but Rytas controlled the tempo and gradually built a lead. Despite efforts from Arnas Butkevicius and Edgaras Ulanovas, the hosts finished the quarter ahead. Zalgiris trailed 15-21 after the opening period.

Ignas Brazdeikis and Deividas Sirvydis sparked Zalgiris’ comeback, while Birutis provided a strong presence inside. A 17-2 run, highlighted by Mantas Rubstavicius’ three-pointers and Birutis’ dominance in the paint, turned the game around. Zalgiris went into halftime leading 42-37.

The teams traded baskets throughout a tightly contested quarter, with neither side able to create separation. Edgaras Ulanovas, Dovydas Giedraitis, and Rubstavicius continued to score for Zalgiris, but Rytas stayed close and led 61-62 after 30 minutes.

Zalgiris opened the last quarter with a small lineup that delivered excellent defense, holding Rytas scoreless for six minutes. Key baskets from Ulanovas, Butkevicius, Brazdeikis, and Giedraitis created decisive separation. Strong defense and clutch free throws sealed another victory, 75-70.

Ulanovas led Zalgiris with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Butkevicius scored 13 points, while Birutis finished eith 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.