Zalgiris Kaunas opened their best-of-five EuroLeague quarterfinal series with a road loss in Istanbul, falling to Fenerbahce 78-89 (20-22, 9-25, 28-18, 21-24). The second game of the series will also be played in Istanbul on Thursday, April 30.
Azuolas Tubelis opened the scoring for Zalgiris, while Nigel Williams‑Goss and Sylvain Francisco helped the visitors build a narrow early lead. Zalgiris stayed competitive throughout the period, but a buzzer‑beating three by Tarik Biberovic gave Fenerbahce a slim advantage. After ten minutes, the hosts led 20-22.
Fenerbahce extended their run to 10-0 and gradually pulled away as Zalgiris struggled offensively. Moses Wright knocked down a three-pointer, but it proved to be Zalgiris’ only field goal of the quarter. Limited scoring from the floor left the Kaunas side trailing by 18 points at halftime, 29-47.
Zalgiris responded with much greater energy after the break, sparked by Williams‑Goss and Wright. Francisco added a key three-pointer, while Wright finished two alley‑oop dunks to help cut into the deficit. Zalgiris won the quarter 28-18 and closed the gap to 57-65.
Zalgiris continued to fight, with Williams‑Goss and Francisco hitting timely three-pointers to keep hopes alive. Despite multiple chances to get closer late in the game, missed outside shots proved costly. Fenerbahce maintained control in the closing minutes and secured an 78-89 victory.
Williams-Goss lead Zalgiris on 24 points and Wright added 19. Francisco amassed 15 points and 6 assists.
