Zalgiris begins local Playoffs with the win 1

Zalgiris Kaunas started the quarter-final series of the Betsafe-LKL championship with a win. Playing their home game in Prienai, Kazis Maksvytis’ team defeated Nevezis-Optibet Kedainiai by 90-71.

Kevarrius Hayes and Edgaras Ulanovas scored inside the paint each, while Ignas Brazdeikis made three long-range shots in a row, 13-11. Brazdeikis continued his performance with a powerful play under basket, while Tomas Dimsa, Laurynas Birutis and Arnas Butkevicius scored free throws to make it 20-22 at the end of first quarter.

In the second quarter, Birutis scored seven points in a row, and Dovydas Giedraitis hit a three-pointer midway through the quarter, 30-31. Rolands Smits dunked in transition, Brazdeikis and Ulanovas scored, Birutis added four points and Dima connected from long range for 43-39 halftime lead.

After the break, Zalgiris did not score for more than three minutes and were already chasing their opponents, 43-45. Then Birutis slammed it home, Dimsa made a good shot from long range, Karolis Lukosiunas hit three three-pointers, while Smits and Hayes scored two points apiece, 61-53.

After baskets by Ulanovas and Isaiah Taylor, the teams were separated by ten points (65-55), but within a few minutes the opponents got closer again, 65-64. However, Zalgiris then made a big run and built a solid lead, as Ulanovas made three three-pointers, Lukosiunas hit twice, Dimsa and Lukas Lekavicius added a three-pointer each, and Brazdeikis and Hayes added two more two-pointers to make it 90-71.

Four Zalgiris players ended-up leading the scoring chart: Birutis, Brazdeikis, Ulanovas and Lukosiunas scored 15 points each.