EuroLeague champions prevail in Kaunas 6
Zalgiris Kaunas (7-18) played their second home game of the week, as the Green and Whites welcomed reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions Anadolu Efes Istanbul (13-10) at Zalgirio Arena.
Though, the hosts could not overcome the tough obstacle and suffered a loss against Turkish giants 71-85.
The magical backcourt trio of Shane Larkin, Rodrigue Beaubois, and Vasilije Micic initiated Anadolu Efes’ 9-0 spurt at the end of the second quarter, while both clubs went into the break with EuroLeague winners being in front by 11 points (41-30).
The start of the third period did not predict good trends for Zalgiris as well. Ergin Ataman’s squad opened the second half with a 10-0 push and their lead grew up to 21 points (51-30). Shane Larkin continued his successful play.
Anadolu Efes did not let Zalgiris breathe easier during the remaining minutes in the third. The margin between the teams was 25 points (65-40) before the last 10 minutes of the game. The fourth quarter was a mere formality.
Vasilije Micic led the route for Efes, sinking his former team with 20 points (3/6 2PT, 3/6 3PT, 5/6 FT), 1 rebound, 7 assists, 2 turnovers, and 21 PIR.
Rodrigue Beaubois was second in the Turks’ scoring race, accumulating 15 points (4/4 2PT, 2/5 3PT, 1/2 FT), 2 assists, 2 steals, and 17 PIR.
Tyler Cavanaugh had a career night in the EuroLeague for the losing side. He scored 22 points (4/5 2PT, 3/7 3PT, 5/8 FT), grabbed 7 rebounds, dished 2 assists, and collected 25 PIR.
The EuroLeague’s leading rebounder Paulius Jankunas became the first player to pass 2000 boards mark.
He finished the duel scoreless but grabbed a single rebound, which granted the phenomenal milestone.
Joffrey Lauvergne could not help Zalgiris Kaunas due to pain in the neck.
Zalgiris: Tyler Cavanaugh 22 (7 REB), Arturas Milaknis 13, Josh Nebo 12 (8 REB).
Anadolu Efes: Vasilije Micic 20 (7 AST), Rodrigue Beaubois 15, Tibor Pleiss 12, Bryant Dunston 11 (6 REB), Shane Larkin 10 (8 AST).
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