Zalgiris takes a victory in Tallinn 0
Darius Maskoliunas’ debut as an interim head coach was marked with a crushing victory in the VTB United League. Zalgiris defeated Kalev/Cramo 82:58 on the road in Tallinn on Sunday.
Travis Watson collected 24 points and 9 boards, Dainius Salenga had 11, as Mantas Kalnietis and Arturas Milaknis scored 10 and 9 respectively for Zalgiris. Josh Akognon had a team-high of 17, Charron Fisher scored 12 and Erik Dorberk added 8.
The hosts started the game stronger and went in the lead 12:5 early on, but Zalgiris, mostly on Brown’s and Watson’s effort, answered back with a 19:3 run and finished the first quarter leading by 9 points – 24:15.
In the middle of the second period the team from Kaunas already had a 13 point advantage, however the Estonians scored four unanswered points to make Maskolunas ask for a timeout. The game seemed to have improved after a short pause and Zalgiris finished the half with Kalev 16 points behind.
A big lead turned into a rout in the third quarter, as with three minutes played in the second half Dainius Salenga dunked it home to bring the lead up to 22 (53:31). Zalgiris, who were demonstrating solid basketball, though not against toughest opposition, had a 30 point lead at one occasion, with the score at 72:42.
From the second part of the third period, coach Maskoliuns gave the younger players the chance to shine. The line-up at one point included Sarunas Vasiliauskas, Arturas Milaknis, Siim-Sander Vene, Adas Juskevicius and Tadas Klimavicius, who was replaced by Povilas Butkevicius in the last quarter.
In the middle of the fourth period Butkevicius, who spent only 4 minutes on the court had to leave the game, injuring his ankle.
Zalgiris had to do without Martynas Pocius and Zygimantas Janavicius in this game, whilst both players are injured.
Both teams will meet in Tallinn once again on Monday, as a Baltic Basketball League (BBL) game is scheduled.
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