Monaco – Zalgiris 82-83: Lekavitsius ends a run of nine losses for the Lithuanians

Despite being back chasing the Monegasques for most of the game, Zalgiris clinched a big win at Monaco headquarters in Game 26 of the EuroLeague, 83-82. Lekavitsius was the hero of the evening as he scored an important last-minute basket and put Lithuania ahead, eventually giving them the win and taking them 4-19 in the season.

The game wasn’t easy for the Monaco team as the visitors found their way despite their strong lead for most of the game and came back in the final ten minutes to take the derby game and end up leaving with the big doubles. Now Monaco fell to 12-13, losing ground in the battle for the octave.

The race

With Motiegounas coming into the game hungry from the start, Monaco took a solid lead in the opening ten minutes against Zalgiris, who struggled to find their way into the opposition’s basket. The visitors gradually found some important baskets, made great defenses and balanced things while gaining confidence. The hosts regained their lead and went into the dressing room with a 10-point difference at half-time.

The picture changed in the second half, where the visitors reacted, hit the gas pedal and made the derby game. Lekavitsius spoke at the most critical point with a last-minute basket, putting Zalgiris in front to finally give her a great and much-needed win.

THE REFEREES: Jovcic, Aliaga, Konstantinows

THE TEN MINUTES: 23-18, 46-36, 64-61, 82-83

MONACO (Obradovic): Li 6, Bacon 18 (4/6 three points), Thomas 10 (3/4 two points), Diallo 9 (2/6 two points), Motum, Buciele, Motiegounas 12 (6/7 two points, 6 rebounds) , Watara 3, Andjusic, Hall 6, James 18 (5/11 two points, 2/7 three points, 4 assists).

ZALGIRIS (Zdovts): Webster 2, Blazevic 2, Lekavitsius 6 (3/3 two points, 6 assists), Nimbo 7 (3/4 two points), Giankounas 5, Lukosiounas 3 (1), Milaknis 14 (4/8 three points), Cavano 9 (1), Gifai 15 (7/7 shots), Lovern 13 (6/8 two points), Ulanovas 7 (1).

Group Stats – Monaco: 21/38 two points, 7/19 three points, 19/25 shots, 23 rebounds (12+11), 10 assists, 7 steals, 9 errors, 1 block.

Group Stats – Zalgiris: 20/31 two points, 10/26 three points, 13/15 shots, 28 rebounds (18+10), 22 assists, 4 steals, 12 errors, 1 block.

Team games: In the 27th game of the tournament, Zalgiris hosts Real Madrid (24/2, 8:00 p.m.) and Monaco hosts Fenerbahce (25/2, 9:00 p.m.).