Neptunas stun Zalgiris, level series 2-2 and force decisive Game 5 / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: K.Linkevičiūtė Credit K.Linkevičiūtė

Despite missing their main point guard Zygimantas Janavicius, Neptunas Klaipeda prevailed over Zalgiris Kaunas 87-78 (21-17, 20-14, 12-15, 34-32) and tied the best-of-five series 2-2.

Points this season

45%73,0Points made:73,0Accuracy:44,9%Place in standings:16Record max:103Record min:51Best scorer:Lukas LekavičiusTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

A vital Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday (May 11) at Zalgirio Arena.

Zalgiris were down by 7 points (46-53) before the last 10 minutes of the game. The reigning Lithuanian champs seemed to retake game control in their hands at the start of the fourth period, after organizing a 9-0 run and gaining a two-point lead (55-53).

However, Neptunas struck back. They spurted 19-4 and created a solid 13-point advantage (72-59) with 5 minutes to go. Even though Zalgiris came within 6 points (73-79) with 1:30 left on the clock, Neptunas fended off the last effort by EuroLeague's squad and handed them a loss.

Nojus Mineikis had a career night for the winners, accumulating 23 points (1/2 2PT, 6/7 3PT, 3/3 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 27 PIR.

Lukas Lekavicius was a top performer for Zalgiris. The agile guard finished the duel with 19 points (3/4 2PT, 3/6 3PT, 4/5 FT), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers, 2 steals, and 19 PIR.

Neptunas: Nojus Mineikis 23, Deividas Gailius 19, Matas Jogela 19 (9 AST), Benas Griciunas 12 (10 REB), Edgaras Zelionis 11.

Zalgiris: Lukas Lekavicius 19, Tai Webster 17, Karolis Lukosiunas 12, Joffrey Lauvergne 11 (6 REB), Tyler Cavanaugh 10.

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