Zalgiris Mounts Comeback to Stun Fenerbahce in EuroLeague Quarterfinals

Key facts

• Zalgiris defeated Fenerbahce 81-78 in Game 3 of the EuroLeague quarterfinal series.
• The win cuts Fenerbahce's series lead to 2-1.
• Fenerbahce had previously won the first two games at home with scores of 89-78 and 86-74.
• Azuolas Tubelis led Zalgiris with 26 points, including three second-half three-pointers.
• Nigel Williams-Goss contributed 18 points and five assists for Zalgiris.
• Wade Baldwin was Fenerbahce's top scorer with 16 points.
• Game 4 is scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2026, at Zalgiris' home court.

Lithuanian Side Rallies from 19-Point Deficit

Zalgiris has kept its EuroLeague Final Four aspirations alive with a dramatic 81-78 victory over Fenerbahce in Game 3 of their quarterfinal series. Playing on their home court, the Lithuanian team erased a significant early deficit to secure a crucial win, narrowing Fenerbahce's series advantage to 2-1. This comeback not only injects new life into the series but also ensures that at least a fourth game will be played in Kaunas. The stakes were high for Zalgiris, who entered the game trailing 2-0 after losing both home games comfortably. Fenerbahce had secured decisive wins in the first two contests, first 89-78 and then 86-74, seemingly poised to close out the series swiftly. However, the narrative shifted dramatically in Game 3, with Zalgiris demonstrating remarkable resilience.

Fenerbahce Dominates Early, Then Falters

Fenerbahce asserted control from the opening whistle, imposing their physicality and executing with precision. Their defense stifled Zalgiris' offense, while their shooting proved exceptionally accurate. Led by Nando De Colo and Tarik Biberovic, the Turkish side quickly established a commanding double-digit lead, at one point surging ahead 35-16. Even with the introduction of Wade Baldwin, who contributed to the early onslaught, Zalgiris appeared to have no immediate answers. The first half saw Fenerbahce maintain their advantage, entering halftime with a comfortable seven-point lead, 42-35, despite Zalgiris' efforts to chip away at the deficit. Devon Hall and Talen Horton-Tucker played key roles in sustaining Fenerbahce's lead throughout the game.

Francisco's Spark Ignites Zalgiris' Comeback

The momentum began to shift midway through the second quarter, sparked by Sylvain Francisco. After a quiet start, Francisco scored seven quick points, including a spectacular dunk over Tarik Biberovic that ignited the home crowd and cut the deficit to 37-26. This surge served as a catalyst, waking up the Zalgiris team. Nigel Williams-Goss followed suit, playing with renewed confidence and driving his team forward. By halftime, Zalgiris had narrowed the gap to seven points, a significant improvement from their earlier 19-point deficit. This period of play demonstrated Zalgiris' capacity to fight back against a dominant opponent.

Tubelis Leads Second-Half Charge

The second half saw Azuolas Tubelis emerge as the standout performer for Zalgiris. The forward delivered a career-defining performance, hitting three crucial three-pointers after halftime. By the middle of the fourth quarter, Tubelis had already amassed 20 points, and he continued his exceptional play, adding four more points. With just over two minutes remaining, Tubelis scored to give Zalgiris their first lead of the game at 74-72. This basket proved pivotal, marking the turning point in the contest. Zalgiris then seized control, with Williams-Goss adding key baskets and Tubelis contributing further points to seal the victory.

Key Performers and Series Outlook

Azuolas Tubelis finished as the most efficient player for Zalgiris, tallying 26 points. Nigel Williams-Goss provided crucial support with 18 points and five assists, while Sylvain Francisco and Moses Wright also reached double figures with 12 and 11 points respectively. For Fenerbahce, Wade Baldwin led the scoring with 16 points, followed by Talen Horton-Tucker with 15 and Devon Hall with 14. Fenerbahce, who had a clear opportunity to secure their Final Four spot, now face increased pressure. The series shifts back to Kaunas for Game 4, scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2026, at 19:00. Zalgiris will aim to level the series on their home court, while Fenerbahce will seek to close it out.

The bottom line

• Zalgiris staged a remarkable comeback in Game 3, overcoming a 19-point deficit to defeat Fenerbahce 81-78.
• The victory narrows Fenerbahce's lead in the EuroLeague quarterfinal series to 2-1.
• Azuolas Tubelis was the driving force for Zalgiris, scoring a game-high 26 points.
• Fenerbahce's early dominance, highlighted by a 35-16 lead, was ultimately undone by Zalgiris' second-half resurgence.
• The series now returns to Kaunas for Game 4, with Zalgiris aiming to force a decisive Game 5.
• Fenerbahce missed a chance to clinch their Final Four berth and now face renewed pressure.