By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Leading in double-digits most of the way, Zalgiris extended its dominant Betsafe LKL Regular Season campaign rolling Pieno Zvaigzdes, 102-83, Wednesday evening.
Sharpshooter Edgaras Ulanovas put in a season-high 24 points powered by 8/10 field goals in 18 minutes. Youngster Marek Blazevic generated 15 points behind 6/7 two-pointers to go along with six rebounds. Tai Webster threw in 13 more points. Niels Giffey ended up with eight points, four steals, and two rebounds. Lukas Lekavicius added six points and seven assists.
Latvian Janis Strelnieks returned to the lineup as a member of the starting unit to produce six points in eight minutes. However, Mantas Kalnietis and Regimantas Miniotas were sidelined.
The latest domestic win improved the league-leading record to 20-1, a couple of games better than second-placed Rytas carrying a 17-3 W-L tally. NC State alumnus Markell Johnson had a team-high 18 points as the hosts fell to 3-17.
The Citadele KMT Final Four coming up this weekend follows for the team coached by Jure Zdovc. Defending champion Zalgiris taking on Siauliai-7bet and Rytas facing Lietkabelis make out Saturday’s semifinals at Vilnius. The winners will meet each other Sunday to crown the Cup winner.
From there back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague by hosting Real Madrid on February 24. The Kaunas side is all but officially eliminated from the Playoffs packing a league-low 4-19 record, 8.5 games outside the top eight spots leading to the next round at the end of the 34-game Regular Season.
Photo Credit: BC Zalgiris Kaunas Twitter