Zalgiris Kaunas (31-1) closed out the Lithuanian Basketball League regular season with another win. Coached by Tomas Masiulis, Zalgiris defeated Nevezis-Paskolų klubas Kedainiai (8-24) 98-80 (32-18, 17-19, 21-19, 28-24) at Zalgirio Arena.
Having secured first place in the regular season, Zalgiris will begin their playoff campaign on Wednesday, May 20, at Zalgirio Arena against Jonava Hipocredit.
Moses Wright opened the scoring for Zalgiris, followed by three-pointers from Edgaras Ulanovas and Deividas Sirvydis. Wright added four more points, while Maodo Lo, Dustin Sleva, and Sirvydis stretched the lead with shots from beyond the arc, 23-5. Sylvain Francisco and Azuolas Tubelis continued to contribute, with Mantas Rubstavicius also scoring from long range to give Zalgiris a strong 32-18 lead after the first quarter.
Tubelis opened the second quarter with seven consecutive points, 39-22. However, Zalgiris’ offense slowed down for several minutes, allowing the visitors to cut into the deficit. Late three-pointers from Sirvydis and Arnas Butkevicius, along with points from Wright, helped Zalgiris maintain a 49-37 advantage at halftime.
Francisco hit a three-pointer early in the third quarter, and Butkevicius added a dunk after a steal, 54-39. Although Nevezis gradually reduced the gap (56-52), Zalgiris regained momentum through baskets from Sleva, Tubelis, and Rubstavicius, 63-52. Ulanovas and Sirvydis added points inside, while Rubstavicius closed the quarter with three free throws, making it 70-56.
Tubelis once again scored seven straight points at the start of the fourth quarter, with Ignas Brazdeikis and Sleva adding to the lead, 84-66. Majus Bulanovas knocked down a three-pointer, while Brazdeikis, Rubstavicius, and Sirvydis continued to score. Zalgiris comfortably saw out the game, sealing a 98-80 victory to finish the regular season on a high note.
Sirvydis had 20 points and 6 assists in the win. Tubelis finished with 18 points, wile Rubstavicius scored 14 points.