By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Le Mans secured a triumph in the third round match of Group I in the BCL Round of 16, defeating Rytas in front of their fans 78-72.
Johnny Berhanemeskel led his team with 20 points, Trevor Hudgins scored 12 with five assists, while Shannon Bogues added 10. On the other side, nine players scored over five points each, with only Gytis Masiulis reaching double figures at 11.
Rytas could have won in France to tie their rival on the Group I table, but the second half proved decisive. The Lithuanians held a double-digit lead after 20 minutes (32-43), but collapsed in the second half. Le Mans mounted a comeback with a stellar third quarter (25-12) to re-enter the game and ultimately win.
Le Mans entered the final minute with a six-point lead; Jordan Walker tried a comeback with two threes, but the hosts were steady from the free-throw line and clinched the victory.
French team remains at the top of Group I with all three wins and will try to extend their streak at home against Galatasaray. Rytas is now 1-2 and faces an away game against Hapoel Holon.
Postgame press conference: