KAUNAS. Zalgiris Kaunas defeated Fenerbahce 81-78 in Game 3 of the EuroLeague playoffs, cutting the series to 2-1 after a remarkable comeback led by Azuolas Tubelis and keeping the matchup alive against the defending European champions.
The Turkish side started the game with authority. The team coached by Sarunas Jasikevicius found offensive rhythm from the opening minutes and took advantage of a 14-0 run between the end of the first quarter and the start of the second to build a significant 27-12 lead, leaving Zalgiris Kaunas in serious trouble.
Fenerbahce appeared to have the game under control, but the Lithuanian squad responded before halftime. Through accurate three-point shooting and several energetic plays, including a spectacular dunk by Sylvain Francisco, Zalgiris managed to limit the damage and head into the break still with real chances, despite trailing 42-35 to the Turkish team.
The second half followed the same script for much of the game. Fenerbahce continued to lead on the scoreboard thanks to the offensive production of Wade Baldwin, who finished with 16 points, and the support of Talen Horton-Tucker, who ended with 15, plus 14 from Devon Hall and 10 from Tarik Biberovic.
However, the game changed completely in the decisive stretch. Zalgiris Kaunas elevated its defensive intensity and put together a 15-4 run midway through the fourth quarter to turn the game around (74-72), igniting the Kaunas crowd in this EuroLeague playoff battle.
https://youtu.be/I5wfH3QcjJQ?si=_42LFxqhzWWQiUCD
Azuolas Tubelis was the star of the home victory with 26 points, dominating the crucial moments of the game. Nigel Williams-Goss added 18 points, while Sylvain Francisco delivered a complete performance with 12 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. Moses Wright was also important with 11 points for a Zalgiris team that found offensive answers when it mattered most.
The outcome was decided from the free-throw line. Zalgiris Kaunas stayed composed in the final seconds and secured a vital victory to extend the series and avoid elimination against Fenerbahce.
With this result, the Lithuanian team gets its first win of the series and forces a fourth game in these intense EuroLeague playoffs.
Game 4 will be played again in Kaunas next Friday, where Fenerbahce will attempt to clinch a spot in the Final Four and Zalgiris will look to level the series in front of its home crowd.