UNICS will face Avtodor in the Quarterfinals up to 3 wins.
Time and Place
Game 1. April 23, 19:30 Moscow time), Kazan, Basket Hall
Game 2. April 25, 19:00 (Moscow time), Kazan, Basket Hall
Game 3. April 28, 18:00 (Moscow time), Saratov, DS Kristall
Game 4. April 30, 18:00 (Moscow time), Saratov, DS Kristall*.
Game 5. May 3, 16:00 (Moscow time), Kazan, Basket Hall*.
* – if necessary.
Regular Season
UNICS: 3rd place (36 wins and 8 losses)
Avtodor: 6th place (20 wins and 24 losses).
Rivalry history
Velimir Perasovic team won all 4 games in the regular season.
The first 3 games followed a similar scenario and ended with UNICS wins with 24.7 points difference (84:54 and 84:58 in Kazan, and 86:68 in Saratov). In each of the games, the Kazan team had double-digit lead in the first half and then held Avtodor sharpshooters, preventing the opponent from attempting a comeback. Also in the first 3 games of the season series, UNICS centers dominated the rebounding – the Kazan team managed to get 128 rebounds in those games, while Avtodor grabbed only 85.
However, the final clash between the teams in the regular season was thrilling. Velimir Perasovic was favourites, but Avtodor pulled their opponent into the clutch with disciplined defense and Dusan Beslac performance (20 points, 50% field-goals made). Still, the sensation didn’t happen – Marcos Knight and DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell were able to bring their team the win in the decisive possessions. But the Saratov team showed capability of fighting such an opponent.
Why can UNICS win?
The Kazan team outperformed its future rival during the regular season in efficiency, assists and other stats. The most important is rebounds: 38.4 vs. 34.9 rebounds in the season average and 43 vs. 30 in head-to-head. Moreover, the Kazan team coaching staff has reason to expect an increased advantage in the paint with Ismael Bako progress, who made 2 double-double in the last 4 games.
The second important factor may be the rotation and offense variability. UNICS has more experienced players, and Marcus Keane and Darrun Hilliard arrival will make the team’s backcourt even more dangerous. That will be especially helpful against Avtodor, as guards showed the best performance in each of the games against the Saratov team.
UNICS was best defensive team of the regular season for the third time in its history, allowing opponent to score only 72.5 points per game. The combination of the League’s best defense, strong roster and rebounding dominance makes Velimir Perasovic team the favorite to win the series.
Why can Avtodor win?
Even though Avtodor is preparing for the Quarterfinals as an underdog, the Volga team coaching staff has several ways to upset UNICS.
The Saratov team is equally comfortable with slow, combinational basketball and fast-paced game with fastbreaks. Milenko Bogicevic team also showed good ability to adapt all season long and became the only non-Top-4 team that was able to make it into clutch against top teams.
By the end of the season, the team had regained shape and went through the second half of the regular season winning 50% of its games (11 of 22). UNICS on the other hand underwent roster changes just before Playoffs, so the advantage in chemistry will be on the Saratov team side.
Another important factor will be the progress of Charles Manning, who has gone from being a role player to a star and a significant offensive option over the last month, scoring 14.3 points in his last 7 games.
X-Factor
UNICS Newcomers
Prior to the start of the Playoffs, UNICS added 2 experienced backcourt players who are capable of becoming important offensive options. Marcus Keene scored 14.7 points in Greece, while Darrun Hilliard scored 13.5 points for Breogan in Spain. Keene and Hilliard have already played in the VTB United League for Kalev and CSKA.
Facts
UNICS is the best defensive team of the season (72.5 points average).
The Kazan team has 2 players, who finished the regular season in the Top 5 in scoring (Marcos Knight with 16.8 points and DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell with 16.3).
Avtodor finished in the Top-6 for the 4th time in the history of the regular season.
The Volga team star Caleb Agada is the League leader in steals (2.4 per game), the record holder in steals in one game (9) and triple-double owner.
