JELGAVA, Latvia — Lietuvos Rytas have enjoyed Christmas on the road, notching up three more victories in the Baltic Basketball League.

Due to their busy schedule in wider Europe, Lietuvos Rytas have to date been given a favorable draw in the BBL. This did however mean that they enjoyed their Kūčios on the road as they traveled north to Latvia and Estonia to play catch up on games.

The northern road trip began in Liepāja, Latvia where they did battle with the Lauvas on Dec. 23. Dwindling at the bottom of the table, Liepāja were never able to match it with their Lithuanian rivals who cruised home to an 87-65 victory. However, it was not all one way sailing for Lietuvos Rytas with Liepāja holding their own in the opening stages to be leading by three (18-15) at the completion of the first period.

Lietuvos Rytas then went on their way, traveling to Tartu, Estonia to take on Rock. Playing against a slightly higher rated opponent than that of five days previous, Lietuvos Rytas left nothing in the cupboard on their way to claiming  a decisive 96-74 victory. Martynas Gecevičius had a particularly strong game for the visitors shooting a perfect 100 percent game for 24 points.

In a surprise to some, Lietuvos Rytas found their toughest opponent in their third and final game when they traveled to Valmiera. The locals again played with courage but choked, continuing to live up to the label of “the almost team” as they again came up short 72-79. The Latvians trailed by just two with a period remaining before Lietuvos Rytas finally began to string some plays together to ease out to victory. Much credit should be given to Valmiera who have come the closest to looking like they could upset the powerful unit that is Lietuvos Rytas.

The BBL will now take a two week break, at which time Valmiera will again find themselves in the thick of the action when they travel to Lithuania to take on Nevėžis on Jan. 12.