This was a night of ups and downs in Vilnius. Maccabi was non exsistent in the first quarter won 31-14 by the home team. They openes a 19 pts gap (39-20) but then saw an amazing 23-4 run by Maccabi and 1:15 from half time the score was even 43-43. At the half Lietuvos Rytas led 47-43.
An excellent start by Maccabi in the third period enabled them to open a 5 point lead (58-53). But a serried of TO and some bad shots, helped the Lithuanians to regain control, run 15-4 and lead 68-62 at the end of the period.
The lead was increased to 71-62 but Sharp, Parker & 5 pts by Solomon put Maccabi back on top 76-74 with 4:40 min. left. A bad miss by Vujcic at 83-81 with 1:30 min to go and a three pointer by Jasaitis made it 86-81 and eventually 88-83 for the final score.
Since 2000, coach Pini Gershon did not lose twice in the season to the same team. This loss, Maccabi`s fifth of the season, drops them to third place in Group B. To finish top, Maccabi will have to beat Barcelona next week and hope that Efes Pilsen lose in Zagreb & Lietuvos Rytas in Sopot.
Coach Gershon played for most of the game with five players. Two others contributed very little: Tal Burstein played 23 minutes and did not have a shot. Sharon Shason scored 2 free throws in 13 minutes.
Nikola Vujcic was still under the effect of the flu but played 32 minutes, scored 14 pts, pulled down 4 rbds but had no assists and 5 TO.
SAnthony Parker was Maccabi`s top player with 22 pts, 8 rbds & 4 asts. Derrick Sharp scored 17 pts (3-6 for three), Will Solomon also scored 17 pts but had no assists & Maceo Baston scored 11 psts & pulled down 10 rbds.
Top players for Rytas: Jasaitis 21 pts (4-7 for three) & 5 rbds, Nielsen 16 pts & Mujezinovic 14 pts & 7 rbds.