Zalgiris Kaunas ended a series of four consecutive defeats in the EuroLeague by winning at home against Virtus Bologna (77-68). Sylvain Francisco, author of 20 points, played a key role in this success which allowed Zalgiris to post a balanced record (11-10) and regain color after a difficult period.
A great start for Kaunas
From the first minutes, Zalgiris took control of the match thanks to a thunderous start, carried by Francisco and Arnas Butkevicius. The latter was particularly active on both ends of the court, with fierce defense and crucial baskets, including a winning shot from the Zalgiris logo to increase the lead to 16-4.
Despite a surge from Virtus at the end of the second quarter, led by Isaïa Cordinier (18 points on 6/13 shots, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 interceptions, 1 block, 2 lost balls and 9 fouls caused for 27 evaluations in 29 minutes) and Toko Shengelia (12 points), the locals returned to the locker room with a comfortable lead (41-32).
Francisco decisive in money-time
After a gradual return of visitors, notably thanks to a run in the last quarter which reduced the gap to only 4 points (70-66), Sylvain Francisco (1.85 m, 27 years old) took things in hand. With remarkable patience, he was able to find his teammates for easy baskets, while assuming offensive responsibilities in key moments.
His decisive action came 40 seconds from time: after an impressive defensive stop on former Manceau Matt Morgan, Francisco followed up with a lay-up which brought the Zalgiris lead to 6 points (74-68), sealing thus the fate of the encounter. “We corrected our mistakes and made better decisions today. The fans deserved this victory”indicated the French leader, who accumulated 20 points at 7/10 on shots (including 5/8 at 3-points) but 1/5 on free throws, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 lost balls and 5 caused fouls for 21 rating in 29 minutes.
-A key duo for Kaunas
In addition to Francisco, Arnas Butkevicius was also a major architect of this victory, with a complete performance: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Their complementarity allowed Zalgiris to regain the victory long awaited by the supporters of the Zalgirio Arena.
Disappointment for Virtus despite a good Cordinier
On the Bologna side, Isaïa Cordinier once again showed the extent of his talent, but his team was unable to find the solutions to respond to the intensity of Kaunas. The Italians find themselves 0-6 against the Lithuanians since their return to the EuroLeague in 2022. With this defeat, Virtus Bologna sinks a little further in the standings (6-15) and will have to react on Friday in Munich to stay within one correct distance from the Top 10. For its part, Zalgiris Kaunas will play at Fenerbahçe Istanbul.
