Six players scored in double figures as Coach Galbiati's team stayed strong at home
Baskonia’s depth, late defense powers 18–2 run to shut down Sylvain Francisco, Zalgiris
Informes de partidos
3 Min lectura
Regular Season
Round 25 of 38
Regular Season
Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizKBA
10291
Zalgiris KaunasZAL
Overview
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Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz showed its trademark character and played its best basketball when it mattered most, downing Zalgiris Kaunas 102-91 in Round 25 of the EuroLeague. Baskonia lost its first three home games of the season but has gone 8–1 since, with its only defeat coming against defending champions Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.
This time, Baskonia ran its offense through the right players at the right moments, getting multiple contributors involved throughout the game. Six Baskonia players scored at least 11 points. Zalgiris started strong, jumping out to a 2-10 lead and holding a 19-23 edge at the end of the first quarter. At that point, Baskonia had made just 6 of its 14 two-point attempts (42.9% 2FG).
Needing answers on offense, Baskonia turned to Trent Forrest, who steadied his team with a couple of timely baskets. Markus Howard, back in the lineup after missing five games with an injury, immediately showcased his elite shooting, scoring nine quick points, including a floater that gave Baskonia a 46-45 lead.
Zalgiris continued to rely on Sylvain Francisco, who had 11 points and a PIR of 15 at halftime. Francisco kept scoring throughout much of the second half, attacking the right side of the floor, knocking down three-pointers, and getting to the free-throw line frequently. For Baskonia, Rodions Kurucs stepped up with key baskets in the low post. Despite not practicing all week and clearly not being in peak physical condition, Kurucs proved decisive. After missing five of his first six shots, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot eventually found his rhythm, scoring six quick points late in the third quarter to give Baskonia a 75-71 lead.
Francisco continued his scoring run, reaching the 30-point mark midway through the fourth quarter to give Zalgiris an 84-89 advantage. Baskonia then called a timeout and finally found a way to slow him down, double-teaming him with Forrest and Kobi Simmons whenever he touched the ball. With Moses Wright sidelined for the entire fourth quarter, Zalgiris struggled to find offensive answers when it mattered most. The visitors committed five turnovers in the fourth quarter, one more than they had in the rest of the game combined.
“Francisco had a hell of a game, but in the last four or five minutes our defense raised its level, and I’m happy about that,” Baskonia coach Paolo Galbiati said after the game. “I’m happy we showed our character. It was not an easy game because Zalgiris is a very good, well-coached team, and it’s not easy to beat them.”
That defensive effort allowed Baskonia to close the game on an 18-2 run. Kurucs, Luwawu-Cabarrot, and Simmons powered the surge, sealing the win in the penultimate minute. Luwawu-Cabarrot led the team with 19 points, Forrest added 17, and both Kurucs and Howard finished with 15. Baskonia made 22 of its 25 two-point shots (88%) over the final three quarters. Forrest went a perfect 7-for-7 inside the arc, while Kurucs converted all five of his two-point attempts.
“We are feeling great. It’s great to win at home in front of our fans,” Kurucs said. “It was a great team effort and great participation from all my teammates. I think we did everything the coach wanted and earned the win. We went to Kaunas and lost by a lot, so it feels great to get one back.”
Up next is a double-round week. Baskonia visits EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Tuesday, February 3, before hosting FC Barcelona on Friday, February 6. Zalgiris plays on the same dates, hosting AS Monaco on Tuesday and visiting Anadolu Efes Istanbul on Friday.
