Zalgiris Kaunas (29-2) extended their winning streak in the Betsafe-LKL championship to 25. Andrea Trinchieri’s team defeated 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (16-15) by 88-76 (21-16, 22-20, 26-22, 19-18) on the road.
Ignas Brazdeikis scored the first points and assisted Bryant Dunston, while Alen Smailagic hit a three-pointer with a foul, 8-7. Laurynas Birutis, Sylvain Francisco and Edgaras Ulanovas each scored, and Dovydas Giedraitis and Deividas Sirvydis finished the first quarter with long-range shots to make it 21-16.
After a 10-0 spurt by the hosts the score was tied (21-21), Giedraitis made one free throw, Isaiah Wong added a floater, and Birutis scored 5 points, 29-28. Matt Mitchell scored 3 two-pointers with Dunston’s free throws and Francisco’s jumper in-between, 39-36. Francisco made a great layup, and Giedraitis followed with the same, 43-36.
Arnas Butkevicius finished a cut and in the next possession assisted Smailagic for a three-pointer, Dunston scored a two-pointer with a foul, 51-38. Francisco also made a 2+1, and Butkevicius converted his free throws, 56-43. Birutis and Ulanovas scored 5 points each, Sirvydis hit a three-pointer from the corner (69-54), but the opponents ended the third period with 4 points, 69-58.
Dunston scored again with a foul, Butkevicius added a free throw, Francisco made a layup and Sirvydis was on target from long range, 78-67. Francisco scored 5 points in a row, Brazdeikis beat the opponent’s defense, Sirvydis scored a free throw and Mitchell closed the game, 88-76.
Francisco led the scoring for Zalgiris with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Birutis had 12 points, Dunston and Sirvydis scored 10 points each.
