First half Zalgiris lead erased by Darussafaka in the end 0

Darussafaka Istanbul erased an 11-point third quarter deficit to stun Zalgiris Kaunas 80:83 on Friday at Zalgirio Arena. Adrien Moerman and Scottie Wilbekin scored 16 points apiece for the visitors, who improved to 3-0 on the road this season and 3-2 overall. The loss was the third in a row for Zalgiris, which fell to 1-4.

Wilbekin scored 10 third-quarter points as his team, which had only 26 points at halftime, erupted for 35 in the third quarter alone. Brad Wanamaker added 14 points for the winners.

Leo Westermann and Paulius Jankunas paced Zalgiris with 21 points apiece. For Westermann, that marked a career high. Jankunas added 11 rebounds. Brock Motum contributed 10 points in defeat.

Westermann was red-hot in the first four minutes with 7 points to give the hosts a 9:6 edge. Arturas Milaknis knocked down a triple and Brock Motum scored in transition as the lead grew. A three-pointer by Edgaras Ulanovas made it 25:15 after 10 minutes.

Darussafaka halved the deficit midway through the second quarter, but Zalgiris battled back to lead 35:26 at the break.

Threes by Moerman and James Anderson drew the visitors within 39:34 early in the second half. After a four-point play by Westermann, Zalgiris led 46:38, however back-to-back threes by Wilbekin and Moerman cut the gap to 1. Wilbekin then sandwiched a pair of triples around one by Milaknis to give Darussafaka a 52:54 advantage. The score stood at 56:61 at the end of the third quarter.

Birkan Batuk further extended the Darussafaka lead, but Zalgiris regrouped and got within 2. Jankunas pressed on for the hosts, but the defense could not stop Darussafaka enough in the closing minutes.