Mantas Kalnietis couldn’t help his side due to illness as Marcus Brown wasn’t registered for the game as well.
The visiting Zalgiris started the game strong and took a 18-4 lead after baskets from Paulius Jankunas and DeJuan Collins. However, the home team found strength to mount a comeback that gave them a 36-34 lead before halftime.
Zalgiris finally found their aim from outside after the break and took back the lead, increasing it to double-digits after Arturas Milaknis’ and Martynas Pocius’ three-pointers that made the score 56-46. Nevezis had troubles finding ways to score against Zalgiris defense and didn’t trouble the pre-game favorites, who sealed the victory and started the season on a high note.
Martynas Pocius and Arturas Milaknis both scored 12 points, Paulius Jankunas had a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds as Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 9 points for Zalgiris.
Nevezis was led by Lukas Brazdauskis, who finished the game with 14 points, Blaz Cresnar scored 12 while Rolandas Alijevas had a good all-around performance with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
