Zalgiris took Bologna by storm with… NBA-caliber play!
On Wednesday night (10/28), the Lithuanians defeated Virtus by an impressive 91-74 in Italy in the eighth round of the EuroLeague, celebrating their second consecutive win and fourth overall in this year’s competition.
The standout for the winners was Jonas Valančiūnas, with the Lithuanian center finishing the game with a commanding double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while the entire “Zalgirio Arena” rose to its feet to cheer Keenan Evans and his historic return to the league’s European courts after a year’s absence. The American guard finished the game with 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in 18 minutes of play. For Virtus, which fell to 4-4, Alston stood out with 18 points.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The quarter scores: 22-14, 35-37, 53-65, 74-91.
Villeurbanne defeated Partizan thanks to standout performances by Crowder and Mills
Villeurbanne celebrated an important victory over Partizan, prevailing 82-75 in Lyon, in a game that was decided in the final quarter. The home team withstood the Serbs’ comeback in the third quarter and found the answers down the stretch, led by Jay Crowder and Patty Mills.
The French team got off to a better start and ended the first half leading 36-32, having controlled most of the first twenty minutes. Partizan, however, rallied in the third quarter, improved its offense, and with a 27-20 run in that quarter, managed to take the lead 59-56, putting the pressure on the home team.
At that point, Villeurbanne needed the leadership and quality of its players to regain the lead. Jay Crowder was particularly effective, finishing the game with 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist, while providing key contributions on both ends of the court. The veteran American made a significant impact at a crucial point in the game, helping the French maintain control.
Equally pivotal was Patty Mills, who scored 14 points on 4-for-5 shooting from the field, 1-for-3 from three-point range, and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, providing a valuable offensive boost. The Australian guard came through when Villeurbanne needed points, and was one of the key factors that allowed the home team to mount a comeback after Partizan took the lead.
Villeurbanne dominated the final quarter, scoring 24 points to the visitors’ 15, and secured an 80-74 victory. Tremont Waters also added 14 points, while Kevarius Hayes made a significant contribution with 15 points and 8 rebounds for Partizan, though he was unable to prevent his team’s loss.
With this result, Villeurbanne improved its EuroLeague record to 3-5, while Partizan slipped to 4-4, missing the opportunity to add another win to its tally.
Quarter scores: 22-19, 36-32, 56-59, 82-75.
Heavy loss for Efes; Papagiannis returned after 376 days
Efes suffered a crushing 118-88 loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Botevgrad in the EuroLeague, but saw Giorgos Papagiannis return to action.
The Greek center played for the first time in 376 days since suffering a torn ACL in the game against Panathinaikos in Istanbul.
The 29-year-old star played for 5:56 and had 2 points (1-for-2 on two-point shots) and 1 rebound.
Scores by quarter: 27-21, 63-41, 90-59, 118-88.
*photo source: k3vans12
