Armani Milano 87-73: After defeat, the Lithuanians continue to be brave on their way to action

Zalgiris is determined to claim until the last second his entry into the match, which he demonstrated on Thursday night (28/3) with his decisive victory over Armani Milano (87-73) in the 32nd round of the Euroleague.

In a balanced match that witnessed successive surprises from the first minutes, coach Andrea Trinchieri's team presented an excellent performance in the third half (24-17) and achieved the score 7/8 at Zalgirio Arena since the Italian coach arrived in Kaunas.

With Keenan Evans – once again – in a leadership role with 20 points (5/7 2-pointers, 2/5 3-pointers, 2 rebounds, 2 assists) and Edmund Sumner worthy of his support with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists (28 PIR), soaring Zalgiris's score reached 14-18 and “annihilated” the Italian team, after also drawing against Ettore Messina's team.

Nikola Mirotic shined for Armani, scoring 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists Napier To add 17 points and Shields He followed it up with 11 points and 2 rebounds.

A setback for the visitors given their position in the top ten, who did not take advantage of Valencia's “wandering” and trailed in draws with Partizan and Zalgiris.

The home team has taken another decisive step towards the top 10, climbing to 14-18 and will continue to fight for a place under the sun of playing from a different base.

Race

In a fast-paced match from the first minutes, Zalgiris was more productive at the start of the half (10-5, 5), as Armani managed to turn things around under Mirotic's leadership and ended the quarter with a three-point advantage (14-17).

The picture of the match seemed similar in the second half, as Armani Milano was more effective in making three-pointers (3/8) and entered the locker room with a 37-35 lead.

The Lithuanians raised their tempo at the start of the second half, clearly outperforming their opponents, led by Keenan Evans (14 points, 30 minutes) and entering the final stage of the match with five points. Zalgiris maintained its lead with Sumner and Butkevicius taking over for Evans, scoring crucial baskets and leading their team to a huge win inside a packed Zalgiris Arena.

Referees: Pastusiak, Simes, Rocha.

Contracts: 14-17, 35-37, 59-54, 87-73.

Zalgiris Kaunas (Trinquerie): Evans 20 (5/7 2-pointers, 2/5 3-pointers, 4/4 shots, 2 assists, 2 rebounds), Lekavicius 10 (2/2 3-pointers), Hayes 8 (6 rebounds). Gedraitis 4, Peroutis 7 (7 rebounds), Sumner 17 (4/4 2 shots, 2/2 3 points, 3/4 shots, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 28 PIR), Demsa, Lavrenovicius 1, Manek 3 (1), Butkevicius 13 (3/7 3-pointers, 4 rebounds), Ulanovas 4 (4 rebounds, 5 assists).

Armani (Messina): Law, Poitrice 7 (3 rebounds), Tonot 8 (2/2 three-pointers), Mele 1, Napier 17 (2/4 three-pointers), Flacantore, Hall 6 (2/2 three-pointers). Caruso, Shields 11 (2/6 three-pointers), Mirotic 19 (7 rebounds), Haynes, Vogtman 4.

Zalgiris team statistics: 24/39 two points, 10/27 three points, 14/09 Shots, 36 rebounds (24 defensive – 12 offensive), 16 assists, 6 steals, 8 turnovers, 1 block, 20 fouls.

Armani team statistics: 14/32 two points, 21/09 three points, 18/20 Shots, 29 rebounds (22 defensive – 7 offensive)12 assists, 5 steals, 12 fouls, 2 blocks, 21 fouls.

Upcoming matches for both teams: Until the end of the regular season, Zalgiris will play away to Monaco (4/4, 20:00) and at home to Real (4/11, 20:00). Armani Milano will host Virtus Bologna (4/5, 9:30pm) and will face Maccabi Tel Aviv away (4/11, 9:05pm).