Toupane’s game-winner saves Zalgiris in Utena 12
LKL.LT
Zalgiris were pushed to their limit in Utena, with Juventus giving the defending Betsafe LKL champions a rarely-seen run for their money but ultimately coming short 81-79 after Axel Toupane knocked down a last-second game-winner.
Despite falling behind by double figures in the third quarter, the hosts battled back and even jumped ahead for a couple of seconds in the middle of the final period after LaRon Dendy’s three-point make.
However, it wasn’t enough with Edgaras Ulanovas and Aaron White keeping Zalgiris afloat, with Axel Toupane completing the rescue operation by draining a mid-range jumper with just 0.4 seconds remaining in regulation to break a 79-all tie.
Having finished the night with 12 points, Toupane was the second-leading scorer for Zalgiris behind Arturas Milaknis who had 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from three-point range. Beno Udrih was the only other player in double figures with 11 points.
LaRon Dendy had a game-high 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field for Juventus, Anthony Ireland collected 15 points and 7 assists, while Karolis Guscikas and Mindaugas Kupsas finished with 11 points apiece.
The win allowed Zalgiris to improve to a 17-2 mark in the Betsafe LKL and stay in pole position, with the fifth-placed Juventus dropping to 7-12 despite a commendable performance.
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