Ulanovas-led Zalgiris stun Barca with a dominant fourth-quarter performance / News - Basketnews.com

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On Lithuania Independence Restoration Day, Zalgiris Kaunas (7-16) welcomed FC Barcelona (18-5) with Sarunas Jasikevicus and Rokas Jokubaitis at Zalgirio Arena.

Player of the Game EFF 33 Edgaras Ulanovas Points 16 Accuracy 3-6 Rebounds 9 Assists 0

Supported by the record number of fans (12,686) this season, Zalgiris did not let Barca spoil the celebration in Kaunas. The Lithuanians overcame Catalans 91-84 (9-17, 26-18, 21-28, 35-21) and got their fourth victory in the last 5 games.

After an even first half (35-35), Rokas Jokubaitis and Nikola Mirotic initiated an 8-0 spurt to let Barca gain a 7-point lead (56-49), which was maintained until the third-period end (63-56).

Though, Joffrey Lauvergne-led Zalgiris responded, opening the last quarter with a 10-2 spurt to build a minimal advantage (66-65). Both clubs were trading buckets, while Josh Nebo got two offensive rebounds and performed two straight dunks (76-72).

That was not the end, as Edgaras Ulanovas converted a free throw after Sarunas Jasikevicius' technical foul. The same Ulanovas added another point and Zalgiris were up by 6 (78-72) with 2:20 to go. The Lithuanian forward did not stop, scoring one more duo (80-72).

Lekavicius poured in a point (81-72), Nicolas Laprovittola answered with his shots from the line (74-81), while Giffey and Kuric exchanged with successful attacks.

Such a scenario was in favor of Zalgiris. Eventually, Arturas Milaknis was fouled, scored two points from the charity stripe, and sealed the deal for Zalgiris (84-77) with 37 seconds to play.

Edgaras Ulanovas was the top performer for the winners, accumulating 16 points (2/4 2PT, 1/2 3PT, 9/12 FT), 9 rebounds, 6 steals, 2 blocks, 9 drawn fouls, and a career-high 33 PIR.

"We won because of our nice uniforms to support Ukraine. That's the most important thing. I am happy, first of all, with the atmosphere the fans created. About the game, when you are in the last place, you don't have a lot of pressure. You cannot go lower.

Points this season

49%83,0Points made:83,0Accuracy:49,2%Place in standings:2Record max:111Record min:64Best scorer:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

We played, we fought. There were a lot of crucial moments, a lot of 50-50 balls we took. I cannot say it was a tactical win, but more about a fight. We proved we can fight against the best teams," Ulanovas commented post-game.

Lukas Lekavicius aided him with 22 points (4/7 2PT, 3/3 3PT, 5/6 FT), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 6 drawn fouls, and 26 PIR.

Nikola Mirotic led the route for Barca, posting 26 points (4/5 2PT, 3/8 3PT, 9/10 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 7 turnovers, 6 drawn fouls, and 26 PIR.

"We lacked everything. The whole game we were horrible, absolutely horrible. We are talking a lot that since the Spanish Cup we are in a bad dynamic. I don't like how we play, I don't like how we act. We have to change it. We have to become the same team that we were, but more importantly, very modest and normal people. That is usually first, then basketball second," Jasikevicius was straightforward after the loss.

Zalgiris missed their top scorer Tyler Cavanaugh tonight, as he's recovering from the ankle injury.

Zalgiris:Lukas Lekavicius 22, Joffrey Lauvergne 18, Edgaras Ulanovas 16 (9 REB, 6 STL), Niels Giffey 14.

Barcelona: Nikola Mirotic 26 (8 REB, 7 TO), Nicolas Laprovittola 16, Kyle Kuric 15, Rokas Jokubaitis 11.

Highlights

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