JELGAVA, Latvia — Lietuvos Rytas and Žalgiris have both made stellar starts to their 09/10 Euroleague basketball campaigns.

The two Lithuanian teams are the only Baltic teams competing in this season’s premier European basketball club competition after the Latvian team Ventspils failed in their bid to qualify.

Having both already played two games Lietuvos Rytas have had  the best possible start going 2-0. Žalgiris have a one win, one loss record.

Lietuvos Rytas started their  campaign at home on Oct. 22 when they hosted Turkish opponents Efes Pilsen. Lietuvos Rytas controlled the game throughout and it was only a late final quarter rally by Efes Pilsen that brought some respectability back to the score line as they went down 70-77.

Žalgiris also started their campaign at home in Kaunas on the same night. In front of a 4,500 sell-out crowd Žalgiris did not disappoint as they easily disposed of their French opponents, Asvel Basket 71-52.

Into game 2 on Thursday and Lietuvos Rytas showed similar form on the road with a comprehensive 69-62 win over French opponents Entente Orléanaise 45.

Žalgiris could not enjoy the same success as their countrymen on the road as they traveled to Italy where Montepaschi Siena made easy work their guests, disposing them 84-64.

Žalgiris now return home to take on Regal FC Barcelona on Nov. 5 whilst Lietuvos Rytas remain on the road taking on Olympiacos on the same day.