Debutant Smits fuels Zalgiris over Seawolves 0

Zalgiris Kaunas continued preparation for the new season with the second friendly game on Sunday. Lithuanians defeated Seawolves Rostock 84-68 (22-19, 29-17, 16-19, 17-13) in the practice court of Zalgirio Arena.

Latvian Rolands Smits made his debut for the greens, and made two three-pointers already in the first quarter (11-8). Youngster Liutauras Lelevicius followed his lead to finish the period at 22-19.

Zalgiris separated during the second quarter, when Smits stole the ball and finished the fast-break, while Karolis Lukosiunas and Tomas Dimsa connected from downtown for 51-36 lead at halftime.

Seawolves started the third quarter with 3 consecutives triples, but Kevarrius Hayes and Laurynas Birutis scored 6 points each to get back the double-digit lead at 67-55.

The guests from Germany didn’t come close in the fourth quarter, as Smits and Edgaras Ulanovas dominated under the basket for a 84-68 final score.

Smits played 23 minutes in his debut, and collected 22 points on 4/5 three-point shooting. Dimsa scored 11 points, and Ulanovas followed with 10 for Zalgiris.

JeQuan Lewis looked the most solid in the ranks of the German club, scoring 17 points, making 5 assists and stealing the ball 4 times in 25 minutes.