Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv arrived to a snowy Kaunas, after a long trip that included connections in both Kiev and Vilnius. The players had a video briefing and a full and detailed practice towards the game against Zalgiris. (Thursday, 19:00 CET, live on Israeli channel 10).

Coach Neven Spahija: "We did a pretty good job preparing for this game, we've put the emphasis on what we need to do defensively and offensively, everybody is healthy and we have a full roster, this game doesn't depend solely on us because Zalgiris is playing very good basketball and after the loss in Tel Aviv they will do their best to try and win, but as I always say, we are ready. We won the first game in Tel Aviv after giving up 17 defensive rebounds which was a big advantage for Zalgiris, they also had an outstanding shooting night from the three point range, and we will pay attention to these two things defensively".

John DiBartolomeo: "We just got in, definitely a little colder than what we are used to, but we're happy to be here and we're excited for the game. We had a good practice and we worked hard, we've focused on the things we want do in the game and we're looking forward to the game; we would have to limit their pick and roll we have to do obviously well on defense, all teams vary at the end of the day we need to focus on ourselves and do what we do best which is having intensity on defense and to be able to run on the open floor; it's nice to play in front of big crowds but that's not the focus for us we would have to come and do our job either way".

Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv arrived to Kaunas in hopes to continue their positive momentum, but Zalgiris' shooting in from distance in good percentages were too much. Roll scored 17, Art 14 and Jonah 12P & 9R. Up Next: Rishon and Barcelona at the Menorah Mivtachim arena. 

Coach Spahija's starting five: Kane, Jackson, Roll, Bolden and Art. Bolden opened strong to give Maccabi the 4:2 lead but Zalgiris reacted with a 5:0 run (7:4). Art and Roll scored for Maccabi but Zalgiris reacted again with striking from distance twice to get the 14:8 lead. Cole and Bolden scored and Zalgiris reacted again to take the 23:16 lead with two minutes remaining in the first forcing coach Spahija to call for a timeout. Cole scored ad made it 24:20, bit Zalgiris increased their lead to 26:20 as the first quarter ended.

Zalgiris started the second quarter with a 5:0 run to take the 31:20 lead, Thomas completed a three point play but Milaknis reacted with back to back threes (37:23). Jackson and Roll completed a 7:0 rum to bring Maccabi closer (39:32) with five minutes remaining in the second quarter, John-Di's successful free throws alongside Art's points in the post managed to cut Zalgiris' lead to 42:37. With the scoreboard showing 47:41 Zalgiris called for a timeout. Pangos scored from distance again to give Zalgiris the 50:42 lead. Milaknis scored a free throw but Cole helped start a 4:0 run for the yellows (51:46), Ulanovas scored from the free throw line to end the first half with the locals having the 53:46 lead.

Pangos scored at the beginning of the third for the locals but Bolden led an 8:0 run to bring Maccabi within a striking distance (55:54). Zalgiris reacted with a 19:6 run to increase their lead (74:60), Bolden ended the yellow drought with a two pointer to finish the third quarter trailing 74:62.

Zalgiris' momentum continued into the fourth as they increased their lead to 80:65 a minute and a half into the quarter, Maccabi's late damage control forced coach Saras call for a timeout with the scoreboard showing 92:81 with just under three minutes remaining from which the greens came more focused to seal the 99:84 win.