Zalgiris uses big third quarter to beat Barcelona on road

BARCELONA (Interstat) — Carsen Edwards, Jonas Valanciunas and Justin Robinson were among the key performers as Zalgiris Kaunas defeated Barcelona 88-81 Friday at Palau Blaugrana. Zalgiris improved to 8-3, while Barcelona dropped to 3-4. Zalgiris trailed 47-32 at halftime after Barcelona won the first two quarters, then seized control with a 33-point third quarter. Zalgiris led 65-63 entering the final period and held on. The visitors shot 23 of 48 from the floor, 13 of 27 from three-point range and 17 of 21 from the free throw line. Barcelona shot 28 of 55 overall, 10 of 25 from deep and 7 of 11 from the line. Zalgiris finished with 9 offensive rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 15 turnovers and 19 fouls. Barcelona had 6 offensive rebounds, 7 assists, 6 blocks, 10 turnovers and 22 fouls. Dustin Sleva, Marius Grigonis, Tosan Evbuomwan, Azuolas Tubelis, Arnas Butkevicius, Josh Nebo and Joel Parra also contributed. Zalgiris next hosts Marijampole, while Barcelona hosts Valencia.