Neptunas force Zalgiris to their first defeat in LKL quarterfinals history / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: K.Bakūnas Credit K.Bakūnas

Neptunas Klaipeda delivered a surprise in the Lithuanian Basketball League playoffs. The hosts edged out Zalgiris Kaunas, 70-68 (15-19, 23-19, 11-10, 21-20), and tied the best-of-five series, 1-1.

3-pointers this season

35%8,4Points made:8,4Accuracy:35,3%Place in standings:12Record max:13Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Artūras MilaknisTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Zalgiris suffered their first defeat in LKL quarterfinals history (since 1993).

As in Game 1, everything came down to the last seconds. After Tyler Cavanaugh's two-pointer, Zalgiris had plus one (64-63) with 1:30 to go in the game. Though, Deividas Gailius responded with a triple on the other end (66-64).

Tyler Cavanaugh turned the ball over, while Neptunas answered with the same. Niels Giffey missed an open three and Zalgiris were forced to foul Deividas Gailius, who drained one free throw and Neptunas were up by 3 (67-64) with 18 seconds to play.

Lukas Lekavicius cut Zalgiris' deficit to 1 point (66-67) on the other side, while Gailius expanded Neptunas' lead to 2 points (68-66) with 11 seconds on the clock. However, Karolis Lukosiunas came up big, nailing a tough jumper and tying the game at 68 with 3 seconds to go.

3 seconds were enough for Neptunas to create a scoring opportunity. Deividas Gailius was fouled, while shooting a triple. He missed the first two of his free throws but sank the last one (69-68). Zalgiris turned the ball over and Gailius sealed the deal for Neptunas (70-68).

Zygimantas Janavicius had 21 points (6/6 2PT, 3/6 3PT), 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 turnovers, 2 steals, and 23 PIR for the winners.

Lukas Lekavicius led the route for the EuroLeague squad, posting 17 points (5/7 2PT, 0/2 3PT, 7/9 FT), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 turnover, 2 steals, and 28 PIR.

Zalgiris lost Edgaras Ulanovas due to injury at the end of the second quarter. Stepping back, he suddenly lifted his leg and fell on the floor.

At first, the Lithuanian forward tried to walk off the setback, but eventually limped towards the bench and later returned on it without sportswear.

Ulanovas scored 6 points (3/6 2PT), grabbed 3 rebounds, and collected 6 PIR over 17 minutes.

Neptunas: Zygimantas Janavicius 21 (6 AST), Deividas Gailius 17 (6 AST), Benas Griciunas 16 (9 REB, 24 PIR), Edgaras Zelionis 9 (5 REB).

Zalgiris: Lukas Lekavicius 17, Joffrey Lauvergne 14, Tyler Cavanaugh 6, Edgaras Ulanovas 6.

Highlights

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