Uralmash defeated Lokomotiv Kuban at home – 81:79 (24:26, 22:14, 18:14, 17:25).
Game progress
Loko finished the first quarter with 60% field-goal shots made. The guests scored 4 out of 4 three-pointers.. Uralmash couldn’t respond with similar efficiency, but stayed in the game due to free throw shots. The hosts was allowed 14 shots, 11 were made in first quarter. The team unexpectedly won the rebounding against the League’s leader in this, who was missing center Andrey Martiuk, who is recovering from injury. The hosts rebounding advantage, tight defense, and Hayden Dalton 11 points helped to get the initiative with 6-point lead by halftime.
The game slowed down in the third quarter. Loko had a chance to tie the game after Uralmash turnovers, but got a step away and allowed the opponent to pull away again. The Yekaterinburg team had a double-digit lead before last quarter (64:54).
Key moment
Loko tried to chase in the final quarter. Uralmash offense broke down, and the guests began to emphasize careful ball handling and managed to take the lead 1.5 minutes before the end. The hosts quickly regained a 3-point lead with 20 seconds left when Patrick Miller steals from Hayden Dalton and had a chance to tie the game with and-one. The guard’s missed free throw was critical. Dalton made a rebound, and the guests ran out of time.
X-factor
Uralmash was better in rebounding (46-31). The efforts of Javonte Douglas (9 rebounds) and the returning Octavius Ellis (8) were the key.
Fact
Uralmash came close to tying the score in rivalry history against Loko (2-3).
Leaders
Uralmash: Hayden Dalton (22 + 6 rebounds), Javonte Douglas (17 + 9 rebounds), Jeremiah Martin (13 + 10 assists).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (18 + 10 assists), Antonius Cleveland (16 + 10 rebounds), Kirill Elatontsev (13 + 5 rebounds), Kirill Temirov (13).
What’s next
Uralmash: March 4 on the road against CSKA.
Lokomotiv Kuban: March 4 on the road versus Enisey.
