Buesa Arena lifts Baskonia as the second-half surge settles it

Baskonia defeated Žalgiris Kaunas 102-91 at Buesa Arena in the EuroLeague, improving to 9-16 while the Lithuanians fell to 14-11. Sylvain Francisco led all scorers with 30, but the visitors couldn’t turn that into a real shot at the win.

Žalgiris opened 14-5 and briefly looked in control, yet the early edge faded as Baskonia gradually stabilized the game. By halftime the home side had nudged in front 46-45, setting the stage for a second half where the “Buesa factor” would weigh heavier.

After the break, Baskonia kept building and carried positive momentum into the closing minutes with confidence and depth. Six players scored in double figures—Markus Howard 15, Mamadi Mamadi Diakite 11, Kobi Kobi Simmons 12, Rodions Kurucs 15, Timothée Luwawu-Cabarrot 19 and Trent Forrest 16—while Žalgiris couldn’t find enough support beyond Francisco’s big night.