By Alex Molina/ info@eurohoops.net
In a historic night in Badalona, Rytas secured their first-ever Basketball Champions League title, fueled by a legendary shooting display from Simonas Lukosius.
Following an overtime thriller to conclude Season X, powered by Ameresco SUNEL, the 23-year-old guard was named Most Valuable Player of the Final Four. His performance was the definition of a bounce-back game. After failing to score a single point in the semifinal clash against La Laguna Tenerife, he exploded for 23 points in just over 23 minutes of action.
His impact was felt most acutely from beyond the arc, where he converted a staggering 7-of-10 attempts. This set a new milestone for the most three-pointers ever made by a player in a Final. His efficiency was nearly unmatched, finishing the championship game shooting 8-of-12 from the field while contributing four assists and three rebounds.
WHO ELSE?! 🤷♂️
SIMAS LUKOSIUS IS YOUR BCL SEASON X FINAL FOUR MVP! 👑#BasketballCL | @rytasvilnius pic.twitter.com/nJ9uQfYX1V
— Basketball Champions League (@BasketballCL) May 9, 2026
Furthermore, his scoring outburst off the bench placed him in elite company. With seven triples, he joins Jimmy Baron, Kasey Shepherd, and Sasu Salin as one of only four players in league history to hit at least seven threes in a single game as a reserve.
To secure the trophy, his side had to overcome a 20-point deficit, marking their largest comeback win in Champions League history. Reflecting on the grit required to bridge such a massive gap, Lukosius noted the collective experience and external support that fueled the turnaround. “We had so many ups and downs, and it felt like we’d been there before. Also, the fans. With that atmosphere, it’s impossible to give up. We did it. And I think that’s what brought us together, and made it possible to have such a special comeback,” the MVP explained during his postgame press conference.