Messina and Delaney see Zalgiris in EuroLeague playoffs / News - Basketnews.com

"They are an extremely solid team playing at a Final Four level, meaning they will be in the playoffs," Messina said.

Credit: zalgiris.lt, Dainius Lukšta, ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix Credit zalgiris.lt, Dainius Lukšta, ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix

Zalgiris Kaunas have been one of the most pleasant surprises in the 2022-23 EuroLeague season so far.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Kevarrius Hayes Points 16 Accuracy 5-9 Rebounds 7 Assists 0

The Lithuanian powerhouse ensured that it finished Round 19 in the playoff spots after beating EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 66-61 at Mediolanum Forum on Friday night to secure its second straight road win in this double-round week.

Zalgiris now sit seventh in the EuroLeague standings with a record of 11-8.

"Zalgiris played another good game. They are an extremely solid team playing at a Final Four level, meaning they will be in the playoffs," Milan head coach Ettore Messina praised Zalgiris after Friday's game.

"I wish that for them because they are playing really solid offense and defense. [Kevarrius] Hayes, for example, was a huge presence [tonight]," the basketball professor added.

Zalgiris are especially tough to beat at home this season, as they have won seven home games in nine matches. Except for the first game at Zalgirio Arena against Virtus, the Greens have been playing in front of a sold-out crowd.

Fans have already bought all tickets for the next two games in Kaunas vs. the Serbian powerhouses: Crvena Zvezda and Partizan. That's going to be 10 straight EuroLeague sold-outs.

"Zalgiris will be a scary team to see at their home in the playoffs," former Milan guard, Malcolm Delaney, tweeted during the Armani-Zalgiris game.

EuroLeague star agrees with Messina on Zalgiris' good chances to make the Top 8.

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