Fenerbahçe Tarfin defeated Lithuanian side Zalgiris 99-80 in the 5th week of the EuroLeague. In the match played at the Ülker Sports and Event Hall, the yellow-navies maintained control for the majority of the game following a strong start.
With this result, Fenerbahçe reached its 4th win in the competition. Zalgiris, on the other hand, suffered its 3rd defeat of the season.
Although the match began with traded baskets, Fenerbahçe opened up the lead with a 15-point run in the first quarter. With Melli's contribution from outside shots and resistance in the paint defense, the yellow-navies finished the first period ahead 27-14.
At the beginning of the second quarter, Zalgiris found a short run, but Fenerbahçe responded with three-pointers. The home team extended the lead to 22 points in the 15th minute. However, the Lithuanian side reduced the gap to 7 points towards the end of the half with Edwards' effective play. Fenerbahçe went into the locker room with a 50-43 lead.
In the third period, the yellow-navies increased the tempo again. The lead widened once more with Shields' outside shot and Key's effective performance in the paint. With Baldwin's basket, the lead reached 20 points in the 29th minute, and Fenerbahçe entered the final quarter ahead 78-56.
Maintaining its scoring advantage in the final section, Fenerbahçe Tarfin did not allow the lead to melt away and won the match 99-80.
For Fenerbahçe, Shields was the team's top scorer with 17 points, while Key contributed 15, Clyburn 14, and Melli 10 points to the victory. In Zalgiris, Edwards' 20-point performance was not enough to prevent the defeat.
The period scores of the match were recorded as 27-14, 50-43, and 78-56.
News Source: 12punto
