Kevin Punter sinks in-form Zalgiris with 26 points / News - Basketnews.com

Zalgiris Kaunas are 0-3 away this season.

Credit: Srdjan Stevanovic-Getty Image Credit Srdjan Stevanovic-Getty Image

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade defended their home court for the second straight time, beating Zalgiris Kaunas, 87-76 (20-22, 24-14, 16-21, 27-19).

Kevin Punter-led Partizan had a 12-point cushion at the start of the third quarter (49-37), but the Serbians' leader picked up two quick personal fouls and had four in total. Zeljko Obradovic substituted his front-runner and Zalgiris used the opportunity to close the gap.

Ignas Brazdeikis and Arnas Butkevicius inspired the Greens to a 17-5 spurt to tie the game at 54. Though, Kevin Punter returned to the floor and continued to run the show. He sank his third triple of the game, while Partizan got back in front by 5 (65-60) with 7 minutes to go in the match.

Kevin Punter kept beastin' throughout the left time on the clock. After another 2+1 play, Partizan had an 8-point advantage with 4 minutes to play (72-64). Keenan Evans tried to keep Zalgiris alive with a three-point shot (70-74), but Dante Exum and Yam Madar poured in six points in a row from a free-throw line and Partizan were up by 11 points (82-71) with 1:20 to go.

Kevin Punter finished the game with 26 points (7/10 2PT, 3/4 3PT, 3/4 FT), 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, and 20 PIR.

Partizan: Kevin Punter 26, Dante Exum 11, Zach LeDay 10 (6 REB), Mathias Lessort 10 (8 REB, 3 BLK), James Nunnally 10.

Zalgiris: Keenan Evans 16 (9 AST), Rolands Smits 11, Ignas Brazdeikis 10.

Amazing atmosphere:

Highlights

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