Toupane's game-winner saves Zalgiris against Juventus; Nevezis outlast Dzukija

Zalgiris were pushed to their limit in Utena, with Juventus giving the defending Betsafe LKL champions a rarely-seen run for their money but ultimately coming short 81-79 after Axel Toupane knocked down a last-second game-winner.

Despite falling behind by double figures in the third quarter, the hosts battled back and even jumped ahead for a couple of seconds in the middle of the final period after LaRon Dendy's three-point make.

However, it wasn't enough with Edgararas Ulanovas and Aaron White keeping Zalgiris afloat, with Axel Toupane completing the rescue operation by draining a mid-range jumper with just 0.4 seconds remaining in regulation to break a 79-all tie.

Having finished the night with 12 points, Toupane was the second-leading scorer for Zalgiris behind Arturas Milaknis who had 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from three-point range. Beno Udrih was the only other player in double figures with 11 points.

LaRon Dendy had a game-high 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field for Juventus, Anthony Ireland collected 15 points and 7 assists, while Karolis Guscikas and Mindaugas Kupsas finished with 11 points apiece.

The win allowed Zalgiris to improve to a 17-2 mark in the Betsafe LKL and stay in pole position, with the fifth-placed Juventus dropping to 7-12 despite a commendable performance.

In the other game of the day, Nevezis ended their poor spell in the domestic championship with an 84-80 victory against Dzukija on the road in Alytus, climbing to 5-14 in the standings.

Despite enjoying some success in the FIBA Europe Cup, Ramunas Cvirka's side had lost 10 of their last 11 games on the home front. Meanwhile, Dzukija lost their fourth game in a row and fell to 6-13.

Lester Medford paced the winners with 19 points and 5 assists, Tadas Sedekerskis had a perfect shooting night from the field and finished with 14 points, while Margiris Normantas added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

For Dzukija, Anatoly Kashirov was the top scorer with 14 points and 6 rebounds, Gediminas Navickas collected 12 points, while Paulius Petrilevicius finished the game with 11 points and 9 boards.