Lorenzo and John Browns double-doubles boost UNICS past Zalgiris / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Panagiotis Moschandreou/Getty Images Credit Panagiotis Moschandreou/Getty Images

UNICS Kazan (13-10) prolonged Zalgiris Kaunas (3-18) dreadful Turkish Airlines EuroLeague stretch, overcoming Lithuanians, 76-67 (24-26, 21-13, 18-15, 13-13), and handing them 8th straight loss.

Player of the Game EFF 23 John Brown Points 15 Accuracy 7-14 Rebounds 11 Assists 0

For their part, UNICS skidded their 3-game losing streak.

Even though UNICS built a 13-point lead (69-56) at the start of the fourth quarter, Zalgiris returned to the fighting distance (64-71) with 3:28 left. Lukas Lekavicius initiated the successful push.

However, the success was temporary, as Lorenzo Brown hit an important trey (74-64) on the other end. Tyler Cavanaugh scored a duo (66-74) but UNICS got a crucial stop in the next Zalgiris attack. Tonye Jekiri converted both shots from the charity stripe and the Russians sealed the deal with 1 minute left (76-66).

Lorenzo Brown and John Brown had double-doubles for UNICS. The first one registered 19 points (6/11 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 1/1 FT), 2 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, 4 turnovers, and 22 PIR. John added 15 points (7/14 2PT, 1/3 FT), 11 rebounds, 5 steals, and 23 PIR.

"They only scored 28 points in the second half and our defense was more concentrated. The defense must be the priority and today I'm happy. Victories are always very important. When you lose, even playing well, it's not good.

We are still in the race for the playoffs. We played some very tough games at the start of the second round, and now we need to not miss at home and win sometimes away," spoke Velimir Perasovic.

Edgaras Ulanovas was the top scorer for Zalgiris, posting 16 points (5/7 2PT, 1/2 3PT, 3/4 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, and 20 PIR.

Mario Hezonja and John Brown-led UNICS opened the second quarter with a 16-2 run to create a solid 12-point lead (40-28). Zalgiris managed to recover before the 15-minute break and cut their deficit to 6 points (39-45).

Though, the Russian club spurted again at the end of the third, having 9 points' advantage (63-54) after the 30 minutes of the game.

Zalgiris' Janis Strelnieks and Mantas Kalnietis missed the game with injuries. Josh Nebo also was not registered tonight.

UNICS: Lorenzo Brown 19 (10 AST, 4 TO), John Brown 15 (11 REB, 5 STL), Mario Hezonja 14 (5 REB).

Zalgiris: Edgaras Ulanovas 16 (7 REB), Lukas Lekavicius 14, Tyler Cavanaugh 9 (6 REB).

Highlights

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