Zalgiris overcome Jonava in Federation Cup quarter-finals despite 43 PIR by Lecomte / News - Basketnews.com

Credit BasketNews/D.Repečka

Zalgiris Kaunas kicked off their appearance in the Lithuanian King Mindaugas Cup, beating the hosts, CBet Jonava, in the quarter-finals 86-75 (20-22, 25-10, 17-28, 24-15).

Points this season

43%70,1Points made:70,1Accuracy:42,8%Place in standings:18Record max:98Record min:51Best scorer:Josh NeboTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The teams will play again on Tuesday. Jonava would have to beat Zalgiris by more than 11 points to advance to the semifinals.

Jonava were up by two at the start of the fourth (64-62), but Zalgiris went on an impressive 20-2 run to gain a commanding lead (82-66). Jonava managed to cut their deficit a bit before the upcoming rematch and lost by 11.

Lukas Lekavicius was the leader for Zalgiris, finishing with 16 points (5/6 2PT, 2/4 3PT), 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 25 PIR.

Emmanuel Lecomte put on an impressive display for Jonava, ending with 27 points (5/8 2PT, 3/5 3PT, 8/8 FT), 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, and 43 PIR.

The hosts sustained a two-point advantage after the first quarter (22-20) but fell apart in the second, allowing Zalgiris to go on a 13-2 run. Zalgiris held Jonava to just 10 points in the second, leading by 13 at the break (45-32).

Zalgiris had a double-digit lead at the halfway mark of the third (56-45), but Jonava exploded with a 15-4 run to tie the game at 60.

Zalgiris: Janis Strelnieks 17, Lukas Lekavicius 16 (6 AST), Tyler Cavanaugh 13 (6 REB), Josh Nebo 12 (5 REB), Mantas Kalnietis 8, Arturas Milaknis 6.

Jonava: Emmanuel Lecomte 27 (7 REB, 7 AST, 43 PIR), Laimonas Kisielius 15, Evaldas Saulys 14, Anderson Lachlan 8.

Highlights:

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