Zalgiris defeats Neptunas, will play in Lithuanian League finals for 24th time in a row 11
Zalgiris Kaunas has beaten Neptunas Klaipeda 3-1 in the semifinal series. The LKL champions will defend their title in the finals once again, this time against Lietkabelis Panevezys.
The first match took place in Zalgirio arena and was unexpectedly easy for the greens. Zalgiris were cruising offensively and did not leave any chance for the visitors. Kaunas team won 83:54 (24:13, 27:12, 17:10, 15:19) and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Lukas Lekavicius was the offensive leader for Zalgiris in this match. He scored 17 points. Brock Motum added 14, and Edgaras Ulanovas got 10. Arvydas Siksnius was the only man in double figures for Neptunas Klaipeda in this game. He scored 12 points.
The second game, which took place in Klaipeda, was a whole different story. Neptunas players were concentrated and motivated from the beginning of this match – therefore they played superb quality basketball. The defending champions were trailing for the most part of the match and lost it 70:73 (14:21, 19:21, 16:18, 21:13). The series were tied 1-1 after this game.
Kevin Pangos and Paulius Jankunas each scored 12 points for Zalgiris. Arnas Butkevicius and Martynas Mazeika led Neptunas with 15 and 13.
The third match was played in Zalgirio arena once again. Sarunas Jasikevicius inspired his team to have a different mindset than in the previous game and the players delivered big time. Kaunas team won every period and made a huge step towards the finals. Final score – 83:60 (24:16, 24:18, 20:15, 15:11).
Antanas Kavaliauskas led Zalgiris with 14 points, he also got 8 rebounds. Leo Westermann and Brock Motum each scored 12. Mindaugas Girdziunas got 12 for Neptunas, Daniel Ewing added 9.
Neptunas hosted the fourth and final game of the series. The first half of this match stood out as a defense-first battle. The score was only 28:21 before the halftime (Zalgiris led). Klaipeda team tried their best to extend this series to a fifth match, but Zalgiris players were just too solid. The greens won the game 69:53 (15:12, 13:9, 21:19, 20:13) and the series 3-1.
Arturas Milaknis scored 15 (5/8 three point shots) for Zalgiris and Edgaras Ulanovas added 11. Mindaugas Girdziunas got 14 for Neptunas, Arvydas Siksnius scored 11.
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