By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Zalgiris welcomed Baskonia in Kaunas with the goal to bounce back from last week’s loss in Athens against Panathinaikos, one which was achieved and the Lithuanians prevailed 78-73.
In the first half, Baskonia‘s Andrea Bargnani outdid Zalgiris‘ Kavaliauskas and Javtokas, drawing 2 fouls from each one, making it almost impossible for the hosts to go close to the Spanish team’s paint. In addition to that, Adam Hanga’s efficient shooting left Zalgiris at a loss.
After the break, Lukas Lekavicius gave the hosts much needed energy and handed out 4 assists in the beginning of the third period. Jasikevicius’ team was incredible at creating in and around the paint, while at the same time Baskonia couldn’t react to it, especially when Bargnani and Hanga were out.
In the final period, Westermann put Zalgiris in leading position with a +8 points advantage, while at the same time, Bargnani got fouled out and Baskonia was scoreless for 3 crucial minutes in the final period. It is to be noted that Zalgiris scored 44 points in the second half, in comparison to Baskonia’s 33.
For Zalgiris, Westermann was the hero of the night with 20 points and 4 rebounds. Lukas Lekavicius might have stopped at 6 points but his 5 assists changed the momentum of the second half.
For Baskonia, Hanga scored 18 points, Bargnani had 17 and Shengelia added 13.