fotodiena.lt photo

Just like Lietuvos Rytas, Zalgiris Kaunas faced a  good challenge against Ventspils in the  MasterCard BBL semifinal. The Lithuianians were better after first half and won the game 86:74.

In the first quarter Zalgiris demonstrated a good basketball and was able to take initiative. In the middle of this quarter Zalgiris got a 7 points lead (13:6), after two pointer by Marcus Brown Zalgiris was in front 15:6. But Ventspils did not want to give up (19:17,2min.) and showed desire to fight with the opponents. Until the end of this quarter Zalgiris retained the lead, but it seemed, that the game will be interesting - 22:17.

In the second quarter the fight was very equal, but for most of the time Zalgiris was in front (26:20, 8min., 29:24, 6min.). Zalgiris has made a mistake and Ventspils scored a quick two pointer, so, Darius Maskoliunas asked for time out (29:26). In the middle of this quarter the result was 32:29 up by Zalgiris. Later on the difference between boht teams was slippery (34:32) again. Ventspils scored four points without the answer and the result was 24:37 up by Latvians.  Before the half time Venspils was in the better situation -38:45.   

In the third quarter Zalgiris has made a quick run and came closer (43:45, 8min.). But Venstpils was able to hold the game rythm (47:48, 6min.). But not for long. In the middle of this quarter Mantas Kalnietis scored two pointer and the result was 49:48 up by Zalgiris. Travis Watson has made a dunk and Zalgiris got a lead by 3 points (51:48, 5min.). Zalgiris tried to run away (57:50, 2min.), but Kaunas team still could feel safe. Until the end of the third quarter Zalgiris increased their lead until 14 points - 67:53.

In the last quarter Zalgiris did not let Venspils play their basketball and was able to hold the double digit lead. In the middle of this quarter  Zalgiris was in front by 13 points (76:63). In the last five minutes Zalgiris controlled the game and celebrated the victory.