Lietkabelis went the distance with Zalgiris Kaunas, but the reigning Lithuanian Basketball League champs prevailed 73-69 (16-17, 20-20, 11-17, 26-15) after a dramatic fight.
Zalgiris are now 3-0 in domestic competition and will take on ASVEL Basket on their 2021-22 EuroLeague premiere next Friday. On the other hand, Lietkabelis dropped to 1-1.
Zalgiris had to overcome a double-digit deficit (57-47) early in the fourth quarter. Edgaras Ulanovas, Arturas Milaknis, and Lukas Lekavicius hit some threes, Josh Nebo scored another field goal and Martin Schiller's squad went on an 11-0 run (59-58).
With one and a half minutes remaining, the score was tied (67-67). Gagic and Lekavičius traded blows, and Strelnieks put Zalgiris ahead (71-69). The Lithuanian international made a crucial steal, drew a foul, and sealed victory for his team with a couple of free throws.
Janis Strelnieks finished the game with 18 points (3/5 three-point shooting, 9/9 free throws), 7 assists, and 20 efficiency points.
Lekavicius scored 12 points in the fourth quarter while dishing 2 assists. On the other hand, the game didn't go well for Emmanuel Mudiay. The former NBAer scored 3 points in 18 minutes, plus 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 assists.
Lietkabelis got 12 points from Zemaitis and 11 from Lipkevicius.
„Lietkabelis“: Kristupas Zemaitis 12 (2/2 3PT, 4 AST), Vytenis Lipkevicius 11 (5 REB), Nikola Radicevic 8, Kaspars Berzins 8, Djordje Gagic 8 (7 REB), Panagiotis Kalaitzakis 7, Dovydas Giedraitis 7.
„Žalgiris“: Janis Strelnieks 18 (3/5 3PT, 9/9 FT, 7 AST), Lukas Lekavicius 14 (2/3 3PT), Niels Giffey 9 (2/3 3PT, 6 REB), Joffrey Lauvergne'as 9 (7 REB), Josh Nebo 8 (6 REB, 3 BLK).
Highlights
Press conference of the head coaches
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