Ulanovas leads Zalgiris to first home victory under new head coach / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: BNS Credit BNS

Zalgiris Kaunas fought long and hard against 5th-placed Siauliai, but led by Edgaras Ulanovas, the Lithuanian powerhouse notched the win in front of their home fans 90-74 (20-19, 29-24, 19-16, 22-15).

Free throws this season

80%11,5Points made:11,5Accuracy:80,0%Place in standings:11Record max:35Record min:4Most made FTs:Lukas LekavičiusTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

It was the first match and subsequently the first home win for the newly-appointed Zalgiris head coach Kazys Maksvytis. Under the new coach, the previously-forgotten point guard Tai Webster played his highest-scoring game this season, providing 14 points in 21 minutes of play.

The match started off with both teams trading baskets, but Siauliai ultimately took the early lead (17-11). However, Zalgiris then went on a quick 9-2 run to finish off the quarter and led after the first 10 minutes 20-19.

The teams battled neck and neck during the vast majority of the second quarter with the clubs separated by only two points with two minutes remaining, but Zalgiris finished the first half better and headed into the locker room with a 6-point lead.

A similar distance was held throughout the second half between the teams with Siauliai consistently trying to mount a comeback and Zalgiris pushing back. The teams were separated by only 5 points with 5 minutes to go in the match, but then Zalgiris went on a 13-4 win to close out the game and ensure the victory.

Edgaras Ulanovas led the team with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists for 24 PIR. Tai Webster added 14 points on 6/11 shooting.

Isaiah Armwood was the leader of the Siauliai team, scoring 16 points and 20 PIR points.

Zalgiris: Tai Webster 14 (4/8 2PT, 2/3 3PT), Edgaras Ulanovas 11 (8 REB, 8 AST, 24 PIR), Lukas Lekavicius 11 (3/5 2PT, 6 AST), Tyler Cavanaugh 10 (2/5 2PT, 2/7 3PT), Arturas Milaknis 10 (2/6 3PT).

Siauliai: Isaiah Armwood 16 (5/6 2PT, 20 PIR), Eimantas Stankevicius 14 (3/8 2PT, 4 REB), Giedrius Staniulis 13 (6/8 2PT, 6 REB), Martynas Varnas 12 (4/7 2PT, 5 REB, 4 AST), Issuf Sanon 10 (3/9 2PT, 1/7 3PT, 5 REB, 4 AST).

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