By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Andrew Albicy stepped up big time for Zenit St Petersburg leading the team to a 76-75 overtime victory against visiting Zalgiris Kaunas, for Round 28 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
The Frenchman had a key presence in Zenit’s great effort in the fourth period that pushed the game to overtime and put up 19 points, including a pair of game-winning free throws.
“We had some losses with the new coach and we wanted to give him this victory. I think we showed some character. We didn’t put our head down when they took the lead in overtime”, he commented after the game.
Colton Iverson and Gustavo Ayon also helped the hosts with 14 and 10 points each.
Jock Landale finished the game with a season-high performance of 27 points, 5 rebounds, though his efforts couldn’t save the day for Zalgiris.
Zenit torches with fourth-period comeback
The visiting side dominated the floor right from the start, with a 27-12 advantage after 10 minutes. Iverson’s efforts in the second period helped the hosts trim the margin to 41-37 at halftime. After the break, Zenit took control of the pace yet the Lithuanian side retained a 53-47 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Ayon and Albicy signaled Zenit’s comeback after trailing for three quarters, pacing their team with a 13-0 run early in the fourth quarter (60-53, 34′). Zalgiris’ Jock Landale put on a heroic effort in the final minutes and pushed the game to overtime.
Talking to EuroLeague TV after the game, Xavi Pascual evaluated the game and gave props to Albicy. “We made a correction at the last moment and that helped us to make a defensive stop and after that we took advantage on offense. It was a game where we had better opportunities to win in the first 40 minutes, but in the extra time, in the end, we had this situation. Andrew [Albicy] did an excellent job tonight; he made the winning free throws. I think this game will help us in the future.”
The Russian side put an end to Zalgiris’ three-game streak while bouncing back from six defeats in a row to improve to an 8-20 record.
Photo: EuroLeague