Author: Raminta Kaminskaite

Photo: Irmantas Sidarevicius

The undefeated Zalgirs played with Ventspils at home and with some problems won against  the opponents 82:78.

Top scorers:

Zalgiris: M.Pocius 22, D.Salenga 21,  T.Klimavicius 12.

Ventspils: D.Bertans 17, E.Kalve – 13, A.Pettway 11.



Even though Zalgiris began the match better as Dainius Salenga  played very well, especially on the offensive end of the floor.  Salenga scored 4 points in the first  minute of the game. Zalgiris shot the ball extremely well and got 14:9 lead (5min). However, Ventspils was no bad team in this game, as demonstrated character and did not let Zalgiris to run away.  At the end of this quarter Latvians, after Pettway (8 points) dunk shot, overbalanced the score in their favor - 18:21.

Ventspils continued to play in a high tempo in the second quarter. The guests scored 8 points without answer and after 2 minutes  in the second quarter had 8 points lead (21:29). Ventspils played good in offensive and therefore maintained the lead (26:31, 7min.). Later Zalgiris played more aggressive in defense and was able to cut their deficit. But Lithuanians was not very accurate in the offensive, looked more slow and heavy. So, late in the second period Ventspils  was still in front (32:35, 3min).  Players went to the locker-rooms as the score was 36:40 up by the guests.

Ventspils had a good start of the third quarter. The Latvians started hitting almost all shots they attempted. This break-out materialized in a 8 point lead early in the quarter 40:48. However, this is where the immense experience of the Zalgiris came into the picture. Some used fast break opportunities, sweet defensive pressure - all these components helped hosts to turn the game around (54:54, 1min.). And after third quarter  - 57:54 by Zalgiris.

The home team was able to build up big performance in the final quarter. Zalgiris  controlled the flow of the game and kept  a distance form Ventspils (73:64,3min.73:67,2min. 73:69,1min. 75:72, 30sec.).  Ventspils  a little lacked psychological stability and maturity. Until the end of this game Zalgiris, with Pocius help, did not allow to endanger its positions. The final score 82:78 in Zalgiris favor.