Huge fourth quarter carries Mudiay's Zalgiris over Neptunas / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: E. Ovčarenko Credit E. Ovčarenko

Zalgiris Kaunas (4-0) played in their first game after coach Martin Schiller was fired following Zalgiris' loss against Zenit St. Petersburg. With former assistant coach Arne Woltmann on the sidelines, Zalgiris took care of Neptunas Klaipeda (1-3) 98-79 (23-19, 20-23, 23-19, 32-18).

2-pointers this season

49%18,5Points made:18,5Accuracy:48,7%Place in standings:12Record max:20Record min:17Most made 2FGs:Lukas LekavičiusTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Zalgiris held a 10-point advantage in the second period (35-25), but Neptunas ended the half with a 10-3 run to cut their deficit to a single point (42-43).

Neptunas stayed within striking distance for most of the second half. But then, Zalgiris kicked into high gear and gained a 13-point lead after Niels Giffey's 3-pointer (82-69). They kept piling on and ended up winning by 19.

Emmanuel Mudiay was solid for Zalgiris, rounding up 18 points (3/10 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 6/6 FT), 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 turnovers.

Niels Giffey was very efficient with 16 points (4/5 2PT, 2/2 3PT, 2/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

Zalgiris were without Lukas Lekavicius (rest) and Joffrey Lauvergne (shoulder injury).

Zalgiris: Emmanuel Mudiay 16 (7 AST), Niels Giffey 16 (6 REB), Janis Strelnieks 13, Arturas Milaknis 12, Marek Blazevic 11, Josh Nebo 9.

Neptunas: Benas Griciunas 23 (7 REB), Edgaras Zelionis 13, Martynas Mazeika 10, Nojus Mineikis 10.

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