VILNIUS (Lithuania) - They have been a dominant force in Europe when it comes to youth events, and now, Rytas Vilnius proved to be too strong even for the top prospects from across the pond.
In two games of the inaugural FIBA Next Gen Hoops Invitational, Rytas Vilnius defeated the Grind Session with ease, sweeping the series to win another major trophy.
In Game 1, they had a trademark Rytas win, scoring 25+ points in all four quarters, killing the game with rhythm and tempo, all 12 players contributing in a 107-84 win.
Gabrielius Bubnys hasn't cooled off from the Youth Basketball Champions League tournament in April, knocking down 10-of-16 field goals for 26 points in 26 minutes, also grabbing 11 rebounds for an efficiency rating of 34.
Ignas Urbonas did a bit of everything with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, while Matas Deniusas (14pts), Mantas Liutkevicius (13pts), Arminas Vilkas (12pts), and Erikas Sirgedas were all in double digits, too.
Michael Jones was the only Grind Session player catching fire, finishing with 29 points and 8 rebounds.
Game 2 was a bit different, as the Grind Session opened up a seven-point lead on a Seven Spurlock dunk to end the first quarter.
However, Rytas Vilnius bounced back with a +14 second quarter and cruised towards a 103-83 triumph to complete the sweep.
Liutkevicius was the top scorer in Game 2 with 21 points in 24 minutes for the winning side, while Vilkas had a monster double-double of 16 points and 18 rebounds, also blocking four shots.
Urbonas had 15 points, Bubnys 11, while Adomas Pocius needed just 15 minutes to get 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Brandon Mason missed the first game, but showed all his potential in Game 2 by putting up 21 points in 19 minutes, hitting 9-of-14 shots from the field. Jones had 15 points and 11 rebounds.