By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
It wasn’t easy at all, but Zalgiris Kaunas managed to stay on top of the standings and get the second win of the 2025-26 Euroleague season after defeating Fenerbahce 84-81.
After a fairly close first half (43-37), it looked like Zalgiris Kaunas got total control of the game.
Nigel Williams-Goss (20 points) and Sylvain Francisco (18 points and 4 assists) were having a blast, but there was a player who never gave up.
A furious comeback was not enough
Wade Baldwin IV exploded for 36 points and 4 assists to erase the 14-point deficit (67-53) and bring the game to a very close ending, tying it to 72 after just a couple of minutes to finish.
Fenerbahçe even had three shots to tie the game in the closing seconds, but ultimately had to settle for the two-pointer that meant 82-81.
After an in-bounds foul by Horton-Tucker to Sylvain Fransisco, who missed his free throws, Williams-Goss was also fouled, made two free throws, and the game was over.
Nicolo Melli had one last chance to send the game to overtime, but missed from beyond the arc, seconds before the final buzzer, with Williams-Goss securing the rebound.
Contrary to Zalgiris, the defending champions dropped to a 1-1 record.