UNICS defeated Uralmash in Yekaterinburg – 93:67 (26:15, 27:12, 26:30, 14:10).
Game progress
The game started with UNICS 9-point run. In the absence of Jeremiah Martin and Octavius Ellis, the hosts couldn’t get their offense going for long. The Yekaterinburg team scored the first shot of the game only in the 7th minute of the game. By that time, the guests lead was already double-digit. Uralmash did the best not to let their opponent get further. But in the middle of the second quarter, the Kazan team froze the opponent offense again and made a 15-point run. After that, UNICS’ lead reached 23 points – 44:21.
All of the hosts attempts to take the initiative were crushed with solid defense and brilliant offensive play by Marcos Knight and Jalen Reynolds. The Volga team leaders scored 29 points combined in the first half. Reynolds three-pointer finally ended the second quarter. UNICS had a 26-point lead by halftime – 53:27.
Key moment
In the middle of the third quarter, the hosts were able to revitalize the game. Three-pointers and 14-point run helped Uralmash to cut the deficit to 19 points – 51:70. But the Kazan team was able to quickly get back into the game. UNICS adjusted the defense again and regained a comfortable lead. The final quarter started with the guests 10-point run. Knight put the difference to 32 points – 89:57. Such a lead allowed the Volga team to get win.
X-factor
Defense was a key factor in the guests win tonight. The hosts managed to score only 63 points (79.2 points on average). And in the first, second, and fourth quarters, Uralmash scored only 37 points in 30 minutes.
Facts
UNICS secures 4th win in a row.
The Kazan team remains the VTB League highest-scoring team in March. In the current month, UNICS is scoring 96 points per game.
Uralmash has never beat UNICS in VTB League history. 5 of 6 games have ended with a double-digit score difference.
Leaders
Uralmash: Javonte Douglas (14 + 7 rebounds), Kirill Pisklov (10 + 6 rebounds).
UNICS: Marcos Knight (22), Jalen Reynolds (19), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (15).
What’s next
Uralmash: March 23 at home versus Zenit
UNICS: March 22 at home against Lokomotiv Kuban.
