By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Rytas overcame an early scare to defeat RSSB Tigers 107–89 as the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2026 got underway at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing.
The Basketball Champions League champions found themselves in trouble down the stretch of the second quarter, trailing by ten. However, the game changed when Tigers playmaker Nisre Zouzoua went down with an ankle injury just before halftime. He had already scored ten points in under ten minutes.
Already storming back, the Lithuanian side went on to complete a 15-0 run and close the half ahead. They kept the pressure on after the break. A further 14 unanswered points ballooned the streak to 29-0, pushing the lead to 19.
Augustas Marciulionis drove the offense during this stretch, finishing with 15 points. Kay Bruhnke tallied 20 points, including four of the 16 triples for the team coached by Nedas Pacevicius. Michael Devoe and Ricky Lindo Jr. chipped in 12 points apiece. On the wrong end, Craig Randall II had 20 points.
The win provided the Vilnius outfit with an early edge over the Basketball Africa League champions in Group A, which also features CBA champions, Shanghai Sharks.
Group B begins later Tuesday with hosting Beijing Royal Fighters taking on Basketball Champions League Americas champion, Boca Juniors. G League United waits in the wings to complete that group.
Group games run through Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s Semifinals and fifth-place game. Sunday’s schedule features the championship and third-place fixtures.
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