In the third quarter, we witnessed a much-improved performance from the Zalgiris team. Andrea Trinchieri’s squad appeared excellent defensively. On the other hand, Keenan Evans seemed unstoppable for the hosts, allowing Zalgiris to relatively easily establish an eight-point lead, which was the largest lead for either team at that moment.
Unlike the start of the third quarter, Zalgiris entered the final quarter very poorly. They lacked aggressiveness, which the hosts capitalized on. Maccabi, fueled by Blatt’s three-pointers, surged to a five-point lead, but they quickly entered the bonus. A three-pointer by Rolands Smits restored the lead to the visitors with just two minutes remaining.
The crucial moment occurred with 30 seconds left. Maccabi held a two-point lead, and Zalgiris had possession. Arnas Butkevicius lost the ball while transitioning, and then committed an unsportsmanlike foul, sealing the defeat for his team. The hosts capitalized on this, scoring three points, resulting in a final score of 83-76.
Baldwin was the top scorer for the victorious team with 16 points, while Blatt added 11. On the other side, Evans contributed 18 points.