Zalgiris Kaunas erased a 19‑point deficit to claim a crucial victory in the EuroLeague quarterfinal series. Backed by a strong home crowd at Zalgirio Arena, Tomas Masiulis’ team defeated Fenerbahce Istanbul 81-78 and cut the series deficit to 1-2. Game 4 will be played on May 8 in Kaunas.
Azuolas Tubelis scored the opening points for Zalgiris, but the visitors once again started stronger and quickly built a lead, 2-10. Arnas Butkevicius ignited the crowd with a three-pointer, while Tubelis and Nigel Williams‑Goss briefly cut the deficit to one point, 12-13. However, Zalgiris’ offense stalled completely in the final five minutes. Fenerbahce took advantage and closed the quarter on a dominant run to lead 12-25.
Williams‑Goss knocked down a three-pointer, and Moses Wright added a free throw, but Fenerbahce extended their lead to as many as 19 points, 16-35. Zalgiris’ turnaround began with a stretch led by Sylvain Francisco, who scored from the line, hit a three, and delivered a highlight dunk over Tarik Biberovic. Tubelis and Williams‑Goss continued chipping away at the deficit with timely baskets. Edgaras Ulanovas added four points late in the quarter, helping Zalgiris cut the gap to 35-42 at halftime.
Zalgiris came out of the locker room with renewed energy, as Wright converted an and‑one and Tubelis hit a three to bring the team within striking distance, 41-44. Despite Fenerbahce briefly regaining a double-digit lead (46-56), Zalgiris maintained pressure through inside scoring and mid‑range shooting by Francisco. Dustin Sleva and Wright contributed in the paint, while Ulanovas and Francisco kept the offense flowing. By the end of the quarter, Zalgiris had reduced the deficit to five points, 57-62.
Zalgiris completed the comeback with an outstanding fourth-quarter effort on both ends of the floor. Tubelis scored seven key points, Williams‑Goss added timely baskets, and Wright tied the game at 70-70. Tubelis then gave Zalgiris their first lead of the game, as the crowd pushed the team forward. Clutch free throws from Williams‑Goss and Ulanovas sealed the 81-78 victory in front of a roaring home crowd.
Big man Tubelis served up a monster performance with a tied career high of 26 points and 6 boards as he also posted a crucial block in the home stretch to deny Biberovic. Williams-Goss scored 18 while Sylvain Francisco racked up 12 to go with 7 boards and 8 assists, while Moses Wright amassed 11 and 6 rebounds with Zalgiris overcoming a poor start to win the battle of the boards 36-31.
