By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After breaking a tie with an 8-0 sprint stretched between the third and fourth periods, Zalgiris moved into a double-digit lead en route to defeating Virtus Segafredo Bologna on Tuesday.
At the top of the last double-game week of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, the reigning league and cup champions of Lithuania prevailed, 96-81.
Tucking in 12/24 three-pointers and enjoying a fifth straight win in the head-to-head series between the two teams combined with visiting play-caller Luca Banchi ejected due to two technical fouls midway in the fourth quarter.
Five players scored in double-digits for Andrea Trinchieri’s side, including Edmond Sumner tallying a team-high 16 points with 6/11 from the field in the Round 30 fixture.
“We had an amazing second half defensively. We got confidence and trust in each other from our defensive effort,” noted Trinchieri, “When you have this kind of defense, the ball is often light. My team played an amazing defensive game.”
Despite picking up two fouls early in the first quarter, Keenan Evans bounced back with 14 points and seven assists over 23 minutes. The Texas Tech product fell shy of a sixth straight EuroLeague showing with at least 18 points. “Being able to pick up a huge win in a double-game week in front of these fans, it is amazing,” he mentioned.
Kevarrius Hayes piled up 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block as Zalgiris snapped a three-game losing streak and went up to 12-18. Dovydas Giedraitis and Laurynas Birutis threw in 12 points apiece.
Recently joining Karolis Lukosiunas (back) on the injury list, Rolands Smits (ankle) missed the opportunity to face the head coach of the senior national team of Latvia, Banchi. For the Italian club, Isaia Cordinier (ankle) and Daniel Hackett (knee) were ruled out alongside long-term injured teammate Devontae Cacok (knee).
In an early exit for Banchi with 5:48 on the clock, Vu Nere was forced down to 17-13. A third loss in a row at the continental level and fifth over the last six outings across all competitions. Tornike Shengelia registered a game-high 19 points in Zalgirio Arena.
“Of course, we gave the game away but this is a tough place to play,” said assistant coach Lassi Tuovi, after taking over head-coaching responsibilities down the stretch.
The four-game road trip continues
After losing to Carpegna Prosciutto Pesaro in Vitrifrigo Arena and a visit to Zalgiris, the team based in Bologna travels to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet on Friday. Completing a four-game road trip, the leader of LBA UnipolSai Germani Brescia shapes the next domestic challenge, attached to an opportunity to reach the top of the standings on Monday.
The Kaunas outfit remains home and welcomes Baskonia on Thursday. Back to Lithuania’s Betsafe LKL and hoping to improve a league-high record of 19-2, a road game versus Siauliai follows on Sunday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net