You arrive in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second city. It’s a little run-down, but makes up for it with a beautiful old town that has a truly vibrant atmosphere both day and night. It also has quiet, almost village like communities which make for pleasant walks and sightseeing moments.
You go across Lithuania to Kaunas’ younger brother Vilnius, the country’s capital and the difference could not be greater.
A colourful party-like environment dominates the main strip, surrounded by fast food restaurants, swanky bars, loud clubs, but all with a friendly face and welcoming tone. Not to mention the picturesque old town with fantastic places to eat and drink. (Note: basketball to follow).
Yet, in the battle of old vs. young in the country’s number one sport this season, the old city of Kaunas came out on top. Leaving the younger brother of Vilnius out in the cold.
Zalgiris Kaunas continued their undefeated start to the season with an 82-72 success over Lietuvos Rytas in Vilnius last night.
The win moves Zalgiris to 9-0. Lietuvos Rytas still top the LKL with an 11-2 record, but the Kaunas side have four games in hand.
In a game which the Vilnius side felt they should of won, they were left standing, as Zalgiris took the game over in the third quarter after trailing for the majority of the first half, which included a second period technical for DeJuan Collins. Lietuvos Rytas led 48-43 at the half.
Zalgiris were too strong though, they led 57-56 headed to the fourth and final quarter, and they grabbed even further control of the game, billed as the biggest game of the LKL calendar.
Paulius Jankunas led all scorers for Zalgiris with 18 points, with Sonny Weems contributing nicely with 15. The Vilnius side were led by Renaldas Seibutis and Tyrese Rice. They both hit 17 points.
Picture courtesy of www.basketnews.lt
