Vilnius “Rytas” Falls Short in Thrilling Champions League Match Against Galatasaray
Despite a raucous home crowd and a promising start, Vilnius “Rytas” suffered a heartbreaking defeat against galatasaray in a Champions League matchup, ultimately falling in overtime after a back-and-forth contest. The game, characterized by critically important momentum swings and crucial missed opportunities, highlighted both the team’s potential and areas for improvement as they navigate a challenging European campaign.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric even before tip-off, resembling a concert rather than a basketball game, as “Rytas” fans ignited a fervent display of support. this energy propelled the vilnius team to a quick 11-point led in the opening five minutes, establishing a 14-3 advantage. Though, the visiting Galatasaray squad, hailing from istanbul, weathered the initial storm and began to claw their way back into the game, eventually taking the lead in the second quarter. By the start of the third quarter, Galatasaray had built a nine-point cushion, leading 42-33.
Undeterred, “Rytas,” which had entered the game with an undefeated home record in the Champions League this season, refused to succumb. The team, coached by Giedrius Žibėnas, returned to a more aggressive defensive approach, quickly erasing the deficit and regaining the lead. They surged ahead once more, establishing a record-breaking 12-point advantage – 69-57 – early in the fourth quarter.
However, the double-digit lead proved elusive, and galatasaray, spearheaded by EuroLeague champion Errick McCollum, mounted another comeback. A clutch three-pointer from McCollum with 1:30 remaining gave the visitors a 76-73 lead. Speedy Smith responded with a crucial three-pointer of his own to tie the game, and had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but his shot fell short.
In the ensuing overtime period, Galatasaray capitalized on several “Rytas” turnovers, drawing fouls and converting them into points. They connected on three long-range shots,ultimately securing the victory.
“We had the opportunity to win the game in regulation, but we missed a shot,” Žibėnas stated after the game. “We had a lead in the fourth quarter, but several missed free throws, ‘spot up’ shots, Errick McCollum, and the 50/50 balls decided today’s game.”
Žibėnas further elaborated on the team’s struggles, noting, “After leading by 12 points, we only made two field goals, and we stalled on offense. We missed free throws and a few ‘spot up’ shots. We made a couple of incorrect decisions against their smaller lineup, and then Errick McCollum took over. He hit some challenging shots. Our defense was good, but he made very tough shots, even contested ones. He’s a EuroLeague champion for a reason. And in crucial moments, we sometimes didn’t control the 50/50 balls, and teams of that level immediatly punish you with three-pointers. That hurt the most in the decisive moments.”
When questioned about the team’s character and effort, Žibėnas was resolute. “There are no complaints about character today. Everyone was prepared to fight and win.”
Regarding Smith’s final shot attempt, Žibėnas expressed satisfaction with the decision. “I’m satisfied. We’re all coaches until it’s time to coach. There are many smart thoughts after the game. We gave Speedy an isolation play,and it was the player’s decision. Speedy is a better shooter than driver. That’s it. Many would like to coach, but when it’s time to coach, those coaches aren’t there.”
The coach also addressed the absence of J. Walker in the second half, explaining it was a tactical decision to utilize three guards.he acknowledged the team’s struggles at the free-throw line, missing 13 attempts, but attributed it to the pressure of representing “Rytas.” “We always want to win when representing ‘Rytas.’ No one outside the court will put more pressure on us than we put on ourselves. We’ll make those free throws in the next game. The shot was actually well-executed.”
Žibėnas emphasized the importance of the game in terms of the team’s development.”It was very important, especially after the last game where we didn’t play for half of it. This can’t happen again,and the players proved that. Now we have many away games, and we need to stick together even more.”
When asked about the team’s reaction following their previous game against Utena, Žibėnas remained tight-lipped about internal discussions. “If we have those conversations, they certainly won’t be for these microphones. Let’s keep what happens in training and the locker room private.”
The coach also offered insight into Jerrick Harding’s performance, noting his tendency to heat up in the third quarter after a less impactful first half. “I don’t know. I just want the player to play well for the entire game. remember that he gets a lot of attention from the best opposing defenders, and it can be difficult to get going when those defenders are fresh. Later,substitutions happen,maybe other matchups become more favorable,and it becomes easier for him to play.He has a scorer’s mentality and will always score at some point. He always maintains that tension.”
Regarding a late-game substitution of Harding, Žibėnas explained the decision was to bring in bigger bodies for rebounding and physicality.He acknowledged Harding as a target but stated a video review would be needed to assess the extent of the attention he received.
Addressing a recent article questioning “Rytas'” identity and lack of a “true Lithuanian fighter,” Žibėnas dismissed the notion. “Say the same thing to Artūras Gudaitis, and I’d like to see how he would react. And I don’t want to divide it into Lithuanians or foreigners. This is a team that we built this year and with which we have to go into crucial battles. We want more victories, and we haven’t lost anything significant yet. We want to give more to these fans. Looking at the Champions League group, it’s clear that we will need wins on the road. I think we have the necessary character, we just need to be more consistent.”
