By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Zalgiris Kaunas beat Virtus Bologna on the road to improve its record to 2-1 in the EuroLeague, while the black-and-white Italian team stays at the bottom of the standings with a winless 0-3 record.
However, a contested episode made a significant difference down the line. As Sylvain Francisco drove to the basket with 1:56 minutes left in the game, he attempted a layup which hit the backboard with 2.0 seconds left on the shot clock. Alen Smailagic and Momo Diouf fought for the rebound.
The EuroLeague released a statement on the matter. “While Alen Smailagic grabs the rebound, the ball touches the ring with 1.5 seconds remaining on the shot clock. The shot clock reset and Alen Smailagic scored a two-point basket. Alen Smailagic basket was legal as, per rule, the shot clock resets after the ball touches the rim. Correct decision of the 24 seconds operator and the referees”, it said.
Zalgiris Kaunas will now complete its first double-game week of the season by playing tonight in Milan, and finishing duties in Italy. Luca Banchi’s team, eager to break the ice by finding the first win of the season, will play on the road against AS Monaco.
PHOTO CREDIT: Virtus Segafredo Bologna
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