Zalgiris loses in Istanbul after leading for three quarters 30
Zalgiris Kaunas (5-10) led for three quarters in the Euroleague Round 15, but eventually lost the game 78-80 (26-22, 22-15, 14-19, 16-14) to Istanbul Fenerbahce (8-7) on the road.
Austin Hollins started the game in Istanbul with seven points, Laurynas Birutis had two successful layups and Rolands Smits finished a fast break with two points to make it 13-10. Smits then scored seven more points, while Edmond Sumner and Tomas Dimsa each hit a three-pointer to make it 26-22.
Kevarrius Hayes scored four points and Dovydas Giedraitis and Danielius Lavrinovicius brought the margin to ten points, 34-24. Smits scored with a foul, Keenan Evans hit a three-pointer, Birutis scored six consecutive points, and Smits scored three more points at the end of the quarter, 48-37.
After the break, the two-minute scoring draught was interrupted by a three-pointer by Evans, Smits made two free throws, but the opponents reduced the deficit, 53-49. Edgaras Ulanovas scored his first points, Hayes scored from under the basket and a free throw, and Evans made a three-pointer with a foul, 62-56.
However, Zalgiris lost their lead in the first minute of the fourth quarter, 62-64. Then.Birutis and Evans scored four points each, Sumner made a three-pointer from the corner, and after a long-range shot by Evans, the teams were separated by a point again, 76-77. Tyler Dorsey had a spectacular three-point play for Fener, hitting a rainbow shot over the backboard. Evans made free throws but when Zalgiris got the ball back, he missed an off-balance shot in the closing seconds, 78-80.
Dorsey paced the winners with 19 points. Scottie Wilbekin added 17 on 5-of-7 three-pointers while Johnathan Motley had 16 points for Fenerbahce.
Evans led Zalgiris with 19 points. Smits added 16 and Birutis had 14 for the guests.
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