By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Zalgiris Kaunas did what they were expected to do at home. Coach Jasikevicius’ unit got the 80-73 win by keeping Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv in check for most of the game.
And while Zalgiris has a solid 7-7 record and remains on playoffs course, Maccabi has a modest 4-9 record and has a mountain to climb in order to squeeze in the postseason.
Arturas Milaknis with 16 points and four made threes was the top scorer of the winners, followed by Brandon Davies (13 p.) and Aaron White (12 p.). And in total, Zalgiris made 11 shots out of 20 attempts.
Still, for Jasikevicius, defense was the key: “We had a great defensive week. This is something we spoke about for a long time, the key to everything is defense. Some teams have more offensive talent, we don’t, but when we dig deep and grind we can really win some games in this EuroLeague. I’m really happy. Players are stepping up – Derek [Walton] is doing a better job now he’s more familiar with European basketball, and Leo [Westermann] is in a good run. Some games are sold out a month in advance, there’s a really incredible atmosphere around this organization.”
After a tied first quarter (16-16), Zalgiris got a 39-33 halftime lead and got a 54-40 advantage in the third period. The hosts dominated the boards, had 15 assists against seven by Maccabi and just three turnovers during the first 25 minutes of action.
Despite missing Nate Wolters and Paulius Jankunas, Zalgiris was in control. On the other side, the duo of Scottie Wilbekin and Johnny O’Bryant kept Maccabi alive and cut the lead of the hosts to six (59-53) at the end of the third.
Still, Zalgiris kept its cool, got a comfortable 68-57 lead and never looked back. Wilbekin finished the game with 20 points, O’Bryant had 18 points and Michael Roll added 12.