By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
After “killing” Unicaja Malaga at the buzzer in the first leg’s match, this time Edgaras Ulanovas delivered a game-winning block on Ray McCallum with only seconds remaining to give Zalgiris Kaunas victory over the Andalusians.
This defense allowed coach Sarunas Jasikevicius’ squad a 79–77 victory over Malaga that improved its record to 11-6. Meanwhile, the visitors slipped to 7-10.
The key: Thanks to tough defense in the second half and especially down the stretch in the fourth quarter, Zalgiris got the important win.
The final minutes: Ulanovas and Jankunas led Zalgiris to a four-point lead (64-60) but in the final minutes, Nedovic tried to will his team to come back. However, Milaknis knocked down the three-pointer with just 1:30 on the clock and Zalgiris went up ahead by seven points (75-68). Suarez responded with a three-pointer of his own. In the last thirty seconds, Ulanovas missed a contested lay-up and on the other end, Waczynski scored to cut the lead to just one point (76-75). A game of free-throws took place next with Jankunas, McCallum, and Micic on the line and in the final possession, McCallum had his lay-up blocked by Ulanovas who prevented his opponents from forcing an extra period.
The star: The 24-year old point guard, Kevin Pangos was really good since the start. He posted up 16 points and four assists, while December’s MVP, Paulius Jankunas, had a good game as he finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds coming up big in the fourth period.
The game: Malaga started the game off on a positive note, being up 6-13, but before the end of the first period, Jasikevicious team responded and cut the deficit to just two points (17-19). Shermandini, Diaz, and Waczynski led Plaza’s team to a great start to the second quarter, increasing the lead to double-digits (19-30). The halftime score was 32-40.
Kaunas’ team tried to cut the deficit once more in the second half, with a 12-7 run (44-47). With Udrih scoring and leading the way, Zalgiris went up ahead (52-51) and remained close in the game, but Shermandini responded with two shots (52-55) Eventually with tough defense from Zalgiris (forcing Malaga to shoot just 33.3% from the field), the third quarter ended 52-55.
Not enough: For Unicaja, James Augustine finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds.