Gran Canaria celebrated the victory against Group E leaders Lietuvos Rytas. The hosts had a very strong second quarter which was the key to their victory. Both teams looked quite equal from the start. Lietuvos Rytas were down 23-25 after the first quarter.
Lietuvos Rytas conceded 31 points and scored just 18 in the second quarter. Since then they were in the catching position as Spanish club didn't let them come closer than 6 points.
At one point in the third quarter Gran Canaria's lead reached 17 points and it looked like they could seal the win. Howevere Rytas managed to come closer thanks to Marijonas Petravicius and Chuck Eidson.
The visitors started the final period very strong and soon their deficit was only 6 points instead of 15 after the third quarter. Though Gran Canaria didn't let Rytas come any closer.
With one minute left to play, Lietuvos Rytas were down by 6 but decided not to foul their opponents. They were expecting to lose by the least possible points difference instead of trying to win the game. Points difference could be very important when regular season is over.
Canada international Carl English had other plans and stunned Rytas defense with 5 points in the last seconds. First win for Gran Canaria 94-83.
Mindaugas Lukauskis who had 23 points in Rytas game against Asvel couldn't find his shot and missed all 5 of his three-pointers. Consistency seems to be his main problem.
94 – Gran Canaria (25+31+18+20): Joel Freeland 20, Carl English 19, Melvin Sanders 17, Marcus Norris 10, James Augustine 8, Jima Moran 6, Daniel Kickert 5, Albert Moncasi 3, Josh Fisher 2, Sitapha Savane 2, Mario Fernandez 2.
83 – Lietuvos Rytas (23+18+18+24): Chuck Eidson 27, Marijonas Petravicius 20, Branko Milisavljevic 12, Mindaugas Lukauskis 7, Milko Bjelica 6, Michailas Anisimovas 6.
