Zalgiris Kaunas (5-2) ended the week with their third win. On Sunday, Andrea Trinchieri’s team defeated Uniclub Bet - Juventus Utena (3-4) by 84-67 (20-9, 20-22, 21-10, 23-26) at Zalgirio Arena.
Ignas Brazdeikis opened Zalgiris’ scoring with a long-range shot, Dovydas Giedraitis broke through under the basket and Laurynas Birutis scored, 7-4. Edgaras Ulanovas also made a three-pointer, Brazdeikis added a free throw and Lukas Lekavicius drove to the basket, 13-7. The first quarter was completed by a three-pointer by Arnas Butkevicius, a shot from under the basket by Brady Manek and a mid-range jumper by Lukas Lekavicius, 20-9.
After 2 three-pointers from the visitors (20-15), Trinchieri called for a quick timeout, after which Lekavicius made his trademark floater and Deividas Sirvydis added 5 points, 27-17. Ulanovas scored, Lekavicius hit two three-pointers in a row and Butkevicius made a long shot as well, 38-27. The last possession of the second quarter was finished by youngster Mantas Juzenas, 40-31.
Juzenas opened the third period with points, Ulanovas scored, and Birutis added a layup with a foul, 47-33. Matt Mitchell scored from mid-range, Juzenas made a three-pointer and Manek made a tough shot with a foul, 55-37. Sirvydis sank 2 free throws, Lekavicius scored his 14th point and Butkevicius’ free throws closed the third period, 61-41.
Manek started the fourth quarter with a three-pointer and a great pass to Butkevicius, who later also made his free throws, 68-46. Juzenas converted his free throws after offensive rebound, while Brazdeikis and Lekavicius scored 4 points each, 78-59. At the end of the game, Brazdeikis and Juzenas added 3 more points each, 84-67.
Lekavicius led the scorers with 18 points. Juzenas not only opened his scoring in main Zalgiris team, but collected 12 points during 21 minutes on the court.
