Kaunas residents as guests 95:75 (20:19, 22:17, 32:20, 21:19) defeated the Aukštaitija team.
In the semifinal series up to three wins, the Kaunas team now leads 2:0, so everything could end already on Sunday in Kaunas.
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“The game was similar to the first one. In the first half of the game, we were not as good in defense as we would like to be. We made too many mistakes. We allowed them to recover the balls, allowed them to break through strong sides. We committed fouls badly. In the third quarter, we managed to defend more aggressively. The series is not over yet, we have to finish the job,” said T. Masiulis after the game.
One of the leaders in this game was Ąžuolas Tubelis. The Lithuanian, who recently extended his contract with the club, scored 24 points against the opponents (8/11 two-pointers, 1/2 three-pointers, 5/6 free throws) and accumulated 27 efficiency points.
“It is a great achievement for the club that we can offer such conditions. We are happy with him, he is the greatest luxury, we can build the team around him. I see what he can do. It is pleasing that he never gives up. He always does everything to the maximum,” the coach was happy about the signing.
Another team leader in this game was Sylvain Francisco. The Frenchman played his best game of the season: scored 27 points (2/2 two-pointers, 6/8 three-pointers, 5/6 free throws) and collected 31 efficiency points.
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“His points help us a lot. The most important thing for me is that he defends and wants to do it. If you defend well, the offense goes well too. And that’s how it is. Leadership helps us a lot,” commented T. Masiulis on his player’s game.
Recently, Ignas Brazdeikis has not found a place under the sun in the “Žalgiris” team. In this game, he spent only 6 minutes on the court and managed to recover two balls.
“There are no problems. We have 13 healthy players and we need all of them. I understand his situation. Together with the coaches, we have to make a decision. You never know what can happen, so you always have to be ready. We are trying to involve Mantas Rubštavičius, it is harder and I understand that. All decisions are for the team,” explained T. Masiulis.
The next game will take place on May 31 in Kaunas.
