Nebo, Lauvergne lead Zalgiris to a Lithuanian Cup win over Lietkabelis / News - Basketnews.com

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Zalgiris Kaunas won the King Mindaugas Cup for the third straight year, this time defeating Lietkabelis Panevezys 91-66 (22-12, 24-15, 22-16, 23-23).

3-pointers this season

34%8,3Points made:8,3Accuracy:34,2%Place in standings:12Record max:13Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Artūras MilaknisTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Zalgiris pounded the ball inside from the very start, with Joffrey Lauverge scoring 12 points in the first quarter, helping his team to a 22-12 lead. They continued increasing their advantage in the second, going up by as many as 21-points (43-22).

The momentum stayed in Zalgiris' favor after the break, with their lead skyrocketing to 25 points in the third (66-41). The fourth quarter was just a formality, as Zalgiris won their third straight Federation Cup, beating Lietkabelis by 25.

The big men Josh Nebo and Joffrey Lauvergne stood out for Zalgiris. Nebo finished with 25 points (11/12 2PT, 3/4 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, and 28 PIR. He was named the MVP of the tournament.

Lauvergne added 19 points (8/10 2PT, 3/3 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 turnover, and 26 PIR.

On the opposing side, Vytenis Lipkevicius led Lietkabelis with 14 points (2/3 2PT, 3/4 3PT, 1/1 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 18 PIR.

Coach Jure Zdouc won his first trophy as a coach since 2018 when he became a Croatian League champion with Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

Zalgiris: Josh Nebo 25, Joffrey Lauvergne 19 (8 REB), Edgaras Ulanovas 13, Niels Giffey 8, Lukas Lekavicius 8 (6 AST), Arturas Milaknis 6.

Lietkabelis: Vytenis Lipkevicius 14 (5 REB), Kaspars Berzins 13, Gabrielius Maldunas 11 (6 REB), Panagiotis Kalaitzakis 10 (6 AST).

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