Neptūnas Klaipėda Defeats Gargždai in Close Betsafe-LKL Match

Panevežio 7Bet-Lietkabelis and Gargždų Gargždai SC faced off on February 1, 2026, in a Betsafe-LKL Round 1 game, with Gargždai emerging victorious with a final score of 79-70. This win ties Gargždai with Panevežio 7Bet-Lietkabelis at a 9-10 record and surpasses Juventus Utena (8-12).

Game Highlights

Gargždai started strong, taking an early lead of 7-3, but Rihards Lomažs helped prevent them from extending their advantage, bringing the score to 9-12. A strong performance from Martin Meieris and Nojus Mineikis propelled Gargždai forward, leading to a 20-13 lead. Arno Velička helped Neptūnas close the gap, ending the first half at 22-18.

The second quarter saw Deividas Gailius and Jalon Pipkins score early, bringing Neptūnas to within 27-18. Neptūnas then began to reduce the deficit, with a three-pointer from Harrison Cleary giving them the lead at 30-29, and ultimately taking a 40-33 lead into halftime.

The third quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with J. Pipkins and J. Turner attempting to close the gap for Gargždai, bringing the score to 42-46. Nojus Mineikis narrowed the deficit to 50-51, but Neptūnas stabilized, leading 61-57 at the end of the third quarter. Tomas Rinkevičius received a technical foul during this period.

The final quarter was tightly contested. N. Mineikis brought the game back to a tie at 62-63, but K. Šilinis responded with a two-pointer. J. Turner tied the score again at 66-66 before a series of exchanges. Vitalijs Kozys scored a crucial two-pointer (68-66), only for N. Mineikis to tie it once more at 68-68. With three minutes remaining, Paulius Petrilevičius scored, giving Gargždai a 70-68 lead. Aurimas Majauskas answered, tying the game at 70-70, but Gargždai’s legionnaires pushed ahead, ultimately securing a 77-70 lead that they maintained until the final whistle.

Key Players

Gargždai: Justin Turner led the team with 22 points and 7 rebounds, followed by Paulius Petrilevičius with 16 points and 6 rebounds, and Nojus Mineikis with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Jalon Pipkins also contributed with 12 points and 6 rebounds.

Neptūnas: Rihards Lomažs scored 14 points (with 6 assists), Harrison Cleary added 13 points, and Arnas Velička and Aurimas Majauskas each contributed 11 points.

Game Details

• Date: February 1, 2026
• Final Score: Gargždai 79 – 70 Neptūnas
• League: Betsafe-LKL, Round 1