Kuzminskas shines as Zenit blow out Anadolu Efes in Turkey / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2-6) suffered a devastating loss in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, losing to Zenit St. Petersburg (5-3) at home 79-90(20-22, 13-25, 18-26, 28-17).

Player of the Game EFF 22 Mindaugas Kuzminskas Points 15 Accuracy 5-9 Rebounds 5 Assists 1

Both teams went back and forth in the first quarter, resulting in eight lead changes. Zenit finished the period with a two-point advantage (22-20).

However, things went South for Efes as eight straight points by Mindaugas Kuzminskas led Zenit to a 13-2 run. They had a commanding 14-point lead at halftime (47-33).

Zenit continued increasing their advantage in the third quarter. Mateusz Ponitka's 3-pointer provided the visitors with a 26-point edge (66-40). Efes tried to mount a comeback, but it was too late, and Zenit claimed an 11-point win as time expired.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas had a breakout performance tonight, leading Zenit with 15 points (2/3 2PT, 3/6 3PT, 2/2 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 22 PIR.

"Honestly, I am really happy for our team today," Kuzminskas said post-game. "We played as a team; 19 assists is a good number for us. I am especially glad that when they were coming back in the game, we showed our character, made some big shots and finally we won. Big win for us but it's a long season and everything is ahead."

Tibor Pleiss was the best player for Efes, finishing with 13 points (4/6 2PT, 1/2 3PT, 2/2 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 19 PIR.

"I am very happy for the players, especially for some players who showed themselves to the EuroLeague tonight; they announced that they are here," Xavi Pascual said after the contest. "I am very happy for them because they work hard and to have one great night like tonight is very important for them."

Zenit: Conner Frankamp 18, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 15 (5 REB), Jordan Mickey 10 (5 REB), Billy Baron 10 (5 AST), Jordan Loyd 7.

Efes: Shane Larkin 14 (5 AST), Tibor Pleiss 13 (5 REB), Rodrigue Beaubois 11, Elijah Bryant 10 (5 REB), Adrien Moerman 10 (5 REB).

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