Zalgiris Kaunas pulled out a win in Vilnius to even the Betsafe-LKL Finals series. Zalgiris defeated Rytas Vilnius 84-83 (15-24, 26-22, 13-22, 30-15) after a long range shot by Sylvain Francisco.

The game opened with points from under the basket by Alen Smailagic and Francisco, 4-2. Ignas Brazdeikis scored after a steal, Edgaras Ulanovas sank free throws, Deividas Sirvydis and Francisco added two-pointers, 12-9. Sirvydis made a free throw, Brazdeikis hit 2, but Zalgiris trailed 15-24 after the first quarter.

Despite Francisco’s free throws, the difference grew to 17-33. Bryant Dunston scored with a foul, which turned into a offensive rebound and a 2+1 by Dovydas Giedraitis, 22-33. Francisco hit a three-pointer with a foul, Brazdeikis added 3 points, 29-35. Dunston and Brazdeikis made only 1 free throw each and the hosts regained the double-digit lead, 31-43. Laurynas Birutis scored with a foul, Francisco squeezed under the basket and made a three-pointer on the next possession, and Birutis scored again, 41-46.

Smailagic and Ulanovas scored from the free-throw line, but the opponents were more efficient on the other end, 45-58. Brazdeikis and Giedraitis broke through under the basket, but the difference continued to grow, 49-66. Brazdeikis finished the third period with 5 consecutive points, 54-68.

Brazdeikis extended his scoring streak to 10 points, while Giedraitis and Ulanovas reduced the deficit to 63-68. Francisco made no mistakes from the free throw line and Brazdeikis added 5 more points, 71-75. Francisco cut the deficit with a three-pointer and free throws, 76-78. Francisco broke under the basket, Brazdeikis hit 1 free throw, Francisco made both free throws to put Zalgiris ahead, 81-80. The opponents got in front, but Francisco hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Zalgiris the victory, 84-83.

Francisco led the scoring with 29 points. Brazdeikis had 26 points in the win.