Zalgiris Kaunas (4-1) closed a three-game week with a win. In the Betsafe-LKL championship, Zalgiris defeated 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (3-2) by 73-66 (13-24, 17-14, 23-15, 20-13) at Zalgirio Arena.
Laurynas Birutis scored the first 4 points for Zalgiris, Ignas Brazdeikis added a layup, and Matt Mitchell broke through the defense, 8-8. Mitchell made a basket with a foul (11-13), but only Alen Smailagic scored for the home team in the remaining 3 minutes of the quarter - 13-24.
Smailagic also scored the first points of the second period. Aleksas Bieliauskas immediately opened his scoring account while making his debut in the main team, Sylvain Francisco broke through under the basket, Brady Manek made free throws, and Birutis dunked twice after Francisco’s assists, 25-28. Arnas Butkevicius took advantage of a pass from Smailagic, Mitchell scored a free throw, and Francisco finished his acrobatic layup, 30-38.
Deividas Sirvydis and Butkevicius scored from under the basket, while Francisco and Mitchell hit a three-pointer each, 40-41. Francisco then put on a show, scoring 7 points and making 2 assists to Birutis, 51-45. Lietkabelis responded with 8 points in a row (51-53), and then the score was tied by Sirvydis’ free throws, 53-53.
Edgaras Ulanovas’ shots were sandwiched between Brazdeikis’ and Dovydas Giedraitis’ long-range shots, while Birutis and Sirvydis increased the lead to 9 points, 66-57. Ulanovas made a floater, Birutis added a two-pointer and a free throw, 71-66. Francisco’s free throws closed the game, 73-66.
Birutis was the leading scorer for Zalgiris with 17 points. Francisco added 16 points and 8 assists.
