After beating Bayern Munich on Tuesday, Barça were unable to round off the week by doing likewise in Lithuania. Zalgiris defended well at the end to steal the win in the tightest of games on Thursday evening.
Against the intimidating backdrop of a packed arena, Barça posted a dignified performance, but fine shooting from Evans, Smits and Ulanovas especially was their undoing.
After the teams had been impossible to split in the first period. Zalgiris were +9 at the break and looking comfortable with the lead. It was the entry of Cory Higgins (10 points) that seemed to tip the balance and by the end of the third Barça had not only cancelled out the deficit but assumed a narrow lead.
There was still nothing between the teams going into the final minute. A Butkevicius three gave the home side the edge (72-70), while Kalinic missed an attempt of his own. Evans converted one of two free throws (73-70), and although Laprovittola converted two of his with 14 seconds to go (73-72), Barça failed to make the most of their tactical advantage.
Satoransky was prevented from shooting and that was it. Barça are now 2-2 in the Euroleague regular season.
MATCH STATS
Zalgiris: Evans (18), Hayes (2), Smits (15), Brazdeikis (6), Ulanovas (15), Lekavicius (2), Kalnietis (0), Birutis (4), Lukosiunas (0), Dimsa (6), Cavanaugh (0), Butkevicius (5).
Barça: Sanli (8), Kalinic (4), Satoransky (10), Laprovittola (8), Tobey (4), Da Silva (4), Paulí (0), Vesely (12), Abrines (2), Higgins (10), Jokubaitis (10).
Periods: 20-19 / 44-35 / 55-56 / 73-72
Referees: Milivoje Jovcic, Emin Mogulkoc, Michele Rossi
