First win for Cibona in Euroleague

Cibona beat Zalgiris (Photo: Kristijan Komarica)

11-11-2009 23:01

Cibona registered its first win in the 2009-10 Euroleague regular season by downing Zalgiris 64-52 in Zagreb, Croatia in Group A on Wednesday. Both teams tie at the bottom part in this group, each with a 1-3 record.

Marko Tomas led the winners with 14 points. Vedran Vukusic added 11 while Marin Rozic and Luksa Andric each had 10 for Cibona.

Mirza Begic led Zalgiris with 14 points. Travis Watson barely missed a double-double, 9 points and 12 rebounds, for the guests.

Cibona had a strong start but Marcus Brown and Marty Pocius allowed Zalgiris to tie the game, 16-16, after 10 minutes. Watson dominated the boards and Zalgiris managed to get a 29-30 edge late in the first quarter. Jamont Gordon hit 4-of-4 free throws to make Cibona regain the lead, 35-31, at halftime. Andric and Tomas fueled a 10-0 run that allowed Cibona to get the lead for good, 47-38.

Watson singlehandedly brought Zalgiris within 49-46 early in the fourth quarter but outstanding defense and an inspired Tomas helped Cibona to seal the outcome, 61-48, minutes before the final buzzer.