Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz delivered its most decisive stretch of the night when it mattered most, pulling away late to defeat Zalgiris Kaunas 102-91 on Friday at Buesa Arena in Round 25 of the EuroLeague.
The hosts closed the game on an 18-2 run over the final minutes, turning a tight contest into a convincing victory built on defensive pressure and efficient execution on offense.
Zalgiris made the early running, jumping out to a 10-2 lead and finishing the first quarter in front 23-19 as Baskonia struggled to convert inside, shooting just 6-of-14 on two-point attempts in the opening period.
Needing stability, the home side leaned on Trent Forrest to settle the offense, while Markus Howard provided an immediate spark in his return from injury.
Howard scored nine quick points, including a floater that briefly put Baskonia ahead 46-45, signaling a momentum shift late in the second quarter.
Zalgiris continued to find answers through Sylvain Francisco, who reached halftime with 11 points and a PIR of 15 while consistently attacking the right side of the floor.
Francisco maintained that rhythm after the break, mixing drives, three-pointers and trips to the free-throw line to keep the visitors in control for much of the third quarter.
For Baskonia, Rodions Kurucs made his presence felt in the low post despite limited preparation, while Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot shook off an early shooting slump.
Luwawu-Cabarrot scored six quick points late in the third quarter, helping Baskonia carry a 75-71 lead into the final period.
Francisco continued his scoring spree and reached the 30-point mark midway through the fourth quarter, briefly pushing Zalgiris ahead 89-84.
That basket proved to be the visitors’ last moment of control, as Baskonia adjusted defensively and sent aggressive double-teams at Francisco on every touch.
With Moses Wright sidelined for the entire fourth quarter, Zalgiris struggled to generate alternative offense and committed five turnovers in the final period alone.
The defensive stop fueled a closing burst powered by Kurucs, Luwawu-Cabarrot and Kobi Simmons, who combined to seal the result in the penultimate minute.
Luwawu-Cabarrot led Baskonia with 19 points, Forrest added 17, and both Kurucs and Howard finished with 15 as six players reached double figures.
The hosts shot an outstanding 22-of-25 on two-point attempts over the final three quarters, with Forrest going a perfect 7-for-7 inside the arc and Kurucs converting all five of his two-point looks.
Francisco finished with 30 points for Zalgiris, while Moses Wright added 12 and Dustin Sleva contributed 13 in defeat.
Baskonia travels to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan next Tuesday before hosting FC Barcelona on Friday, while Zalgiris faces AS Monaco at home and then visits Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
