Jasikevicius reveals EuroLeague team that exceeded his expectations / News - Basketnews.com

Saras was proud to acknowledge Zalgiris' accomplishment in staying in the playoffs race until the very last round of the regular season, exceeding expectations. He praised Zalgiris for their character, will, and fighting spirit.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Despite a 76-84 loss against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Friday night, FC Barcelona head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius could at least rejoice in the achievement of his former team, Zalgiris Kaunas.

Points this season

48%80,8Points made:80,8Accuracy:48,4%Place in standings:10Record max:99Record min:69Best scorer:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Saras was asked about EuroLeague teams that surpassed his expectations this season, and he swiftly acknowledged Zalgiris' accomplishment to stay in the playoffs race until the very last round of the regular season.

"Exceeded my expectations? If you put on that thing, you have to put Zalgiris. Nobody expected," Jasikevicius underlined. "I am very proud to say that because I am a huge fan of Zalgiris. I am very proud to say that Zalgiris is fighting in this race. I thought nobody expected that at the beginning of the season. I think even more people did not expect them to be in the race after Keenan Evans went down.

"I think they pulled a lot of games on shared character and shared will," the Lithuanian mastermind added. "Just fighting and sacrificing. I think this a great example of basketball and fighting. I am just so happy because Zalgiris, obviously, is very special to me."

A recent nail-biting win against Maccabi by a one-point margin (68-67) brought Zalgiris closer to the promised land, but they still do not hold their playoff destiny in their own hands.

Zalgiris have to win the last regular-season game against FC Bayern Munich on the road and await the loss of either Baskonia (vs. Olympiacos) or Fenerbahce (vs. Crvena Zvezda).

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