Fenerbahçe has emerged victorious over Zalgiris in a closely contested match that went into overtime. While Sylvain Francisco delivered a remarkable performance for Zalgiris, Fenerbahçe ultimately proved superior in the extra period.
Sylvain Francisco’s valiant effort for Zalgiris included a double-double with 23 points and 11 assists. Azuolas Tubelis contributed 16 points, and Edgaras Ulanovas added 15. For the winning Fenerbahçe side, Khem Birch also achieved a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker chipped in with 21 points and 6 rebounds, while Wade Baldwin IV contributed 14 points. Nando De Colo played 11 minutes, recording 3 points and 3 assists.
The French point guard for the Lithuanian team was visibly emotional, returning to the locker room in tears after the defeat.
“He gave everything he had, he did his best. This series was very tough for him, but I think he has grown as a player. Sylvain made many sacrifices for the team. He fought until the end, and it’s a disappointment for everyone,” commented coach Tomas Masiulis.
This victory marks Sarunas Jasikevicius’s 7th Final Four appearance as a coach. Fenerbahçe is set to face Olympiakos in the semi-finals.
