By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Connecting 13/29 from beyond the arc, Wolves Twinsbet reached a 24-point lead early in the fourth quarter and settled for a 100-82 victory against Zalgiris in Twinsbet Arena on Sunday.
With head coach Andrea Trinchieri sick, his assistant Tautvydas Sabonis took over for the Betsafe LKL game in Vilnius. After a poor team showing in the third period, the Kaunas outfit launched a comeback bid with 12 straight points early in the fourth quarter. The deficit was initially reduced to 12 points and from there to eight points but the Wolves restored a safe lead and jumped to 3-3 in the Regular Season, forcing the visitors to 4-2.
Fueling the unsuccessful rally, Sylvain Francisco tallied 14 of a game-high 25 points over the last ten minutes. The 27-year-old French guard finished 7/14 field goals and also registered seven rebounds and four assists.
Besides Tomas Dimsa (shoulder surgery), Matt Mitchell sat out due to illness. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Mantas Juzenas debuted with the senior team in the top-flight division of Lithuania but did not get on the board through 95 seconds of action.
For the hosts, missing experienced forward Jeffery Taylor (head), a 17-0 sprint in the third quarter was backed by Andrew Andrews and Anthony Cowan Jr. en route to 21 and 20 points, respectively. Matas Jogela added 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
STANDINGS: Rytas 5-1, Zalgiris 4-2, Neptunas 4-2, 7bet-Lietkabelis 4-2, Wolves Twinsbet 3-3, Uniclub Bet – Juventus 3-3, CBet Jonava 3-3, Siauliai – Casino Admiral 3-3…
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net