Author: Raminta Kaminskaite; Photo: "Lietuvos zinios"

Rock Tartu gave Zalgiris a pretty good fight on its home court, but concentration at the end of the game led Kaunas' team to 73:68 victory.

Top scorers:


Zalgiris: D. Salenga 20, M.Pocius 19, M.Kalnietis 10.
Rock: J. Talts 20, S. Morrison 14, T. Abernethy 12.

The game started with M.Begic 2-pointer. Then Rock has made a run 10-0, but it was not so important, because Zalgiris answered with 8-0 and result was 10:10. The guest don’t give up and after couple minutes was in front again (15:10), but still Zalgiris showed character and returned with a strongly  run   11-0 (21:15). Until the end of the first quarter Rock  came just a little  closer – 21:17.

 

In the second quarter Zalgiris scored a quick points 7-0 (28:17), but Rock was good too, as the Estonian vice-champion  came back in this game (32:31). Zalgiris, after „time out“ of G.Krapikas, recaptured its 9 points lead with  a 12-4 run. (44:35).  But  it was not enough to feel safe. Rock  finished the first half with J.Talts 3-pointer and Zalgiris' advantage at the halftime was only 6  points – 44:38.

After big break the fight in this game was very interesting and hot, because both teams showed equal game. After 5 minutes of play, BBL vice-champions was in front only by 3 points (47:44.). Zalgiris had some problems with rebounds and with a teamwork on the ofensive.   Also, Zalgiris could not connect long range shots and was only 3 out of 13 at the end of third quarter, which was finished  up by the hosts 54:51.

The last quarter was very intriguing. Early on Rock cut their deficit until 1 point -54:53.Then Zalgiris, with a help of Salenga and Pocius, was in front by 5 points (60:55), but Rock answered with 4-0 and result was  - 59:60. Later Zalgiris was more agressive on the ofensive and took couple points without answer. When 1 minute was left, Zalgiris got 7 points advantage, but Rock scored 4 points and result was very dangerous for Zalgiris 67:64. But the end of this game was lucky for Zalgiris.