BBL: Zalgiris wins 7th in a row 0

The undefeated Zalgiris received challenge from Venspils side in Baltic Basketball League (BBL) championship. The Kaunas team had some problems playing at home, but won against the opponents 82:78.

Zalgiris began the match better as Dainius Salenga played very well, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Salenga scored 5 points in the first minute of the game. Zalgiris shot the ball extremely well and got 14:9 lead (5 min.). However, Ventspils showed the character and did not let Zalgiris to run away. At the end of first quarter Latvians, after Aaron Pettway (8 points) dunk, overbalanced the score in their favor – 21:18.

Ventspils continued to play a high tempo basketball in the second quarter. The guests scored 8 points without answer and after 2 minutes of the second quarter had 8 points lead (29:21). Ventspils played good in offensive end and therefore maintained the lead (31:26). Players went to the locker-rooms as the score was 40:36 up by the guests.

Ventspils had a good start of the third quarter. The Latvians started hitting almost all shots they attempted. This break-out materialized in a 8 point lead early in the quarter 48:40. However, this is where the immense experience of the Zalgiris came into the picture. Some executed fast break opportunities, sweet defensive pressure – all these components helped hosts to turn the game around (54:54) and after triple by Martynas Pocius, Zalgiris led 57:54.

The home team was able to build up big performance in the final quarter. Zalgiris controlled the flow of the game and kept a distance from Ventspils (73:64). In the last minutes the guests managed to cut the difference, but accurate free throw shots allowed Kaunas crowd to get home happy. The final score 82:78 in Zalgiris favor.

Top scorers:
Zalgiris: Pocius 22, Salenga 21, Klimavicius 12.

Ventspils: Bertans 17, Kalve 13, Pettway 11.