By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
In Group I of the Basketball Champions League Round of 16, Rytas hosted Galatasaray in Vilnius.
The regulation 40 minutes were not enough to decide a winner, but Galatasaray prevailed in overtime, claiming an 89–85 victory at Twinsbet Arena.
Errick McCollum led the winning side with 24 points, while John Meeks added 19 points and three rebounds. James Palmer finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, and Fabian White Jr. also made a strong impact, recording a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
On the other side, Jerrick Harding stood out with 28 points, followed by Speedy Smith with 18. Artūras Gudaitis contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Kay Bruhnke also reached double figures with 10 points and six rebounds.
Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team trailed by 12 points in the fourth quarter but mounted an impressive comeback in the closing minutes. Still, Rytas had a chance to seal the win in regulation, as Speedy Smith knocked down a three-pointer with 40 seconds remaining to tie the score at 76–76, before missing a potential game-winner at the buzzer.
In the extra period, James Palmer took over, scoring six points, while Errick McCollum extended the lead to seven heading into the final minute. Rytas was unable to respond, allowing Galatasaray to escape with a hard-fought road win.