UNICS defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in 3rd Place Series on the road – 104:98 2OT (18:19, 21:24, 20:21, 18:13, 13:13, 14:6).
Game progress
UNICS started 3rd Place Series with 2 home wins, one step away from bronze. Lokomotiv got back in the fight, pulling out a win in Game 3. The hosts had slight advantage in first half. The Kazan team was able to defend Patrick Miller (2 points, 1 of 4 field-goals made), but Loko bench with Antonius Cleveland and Kirill Temirov (25 points total) performed well. DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell and Marcos Knight stood out for UNICS, but the team lacked three-point shooting again (2 of 8, 0 of 7 in the previous game after 20 minutes). Loko led by halftime – 43:39.
The game has similar scenario as Game 3, when Loko worked hard on defense and started with a run (12-3 tonight). The Kazan team started the fourth quarter with a 9-1 run – 6 points scored by Knight, who was on fire. As a result, the teams went into the clutch.
At the key moment, Reynolds made assist to Dmitriy Kulagin for three-pointer, then making a steal and bringing the Kazan team 2 more points (75:68). Everything was going for UNICS win, but intrigue was revived after Marcus Keene missed one of two free-throws after a tactical foul. Loko responded with Antonius Cleveland three-pointer – 74:76 with 8 to go. The situation then repeated: 1 of 2 free-throws by Keene and Cleveland crazy three-pointer at the buzzer – overtime!
Key moment
The hero of the colorful and emotional overtime could have been Keene, who triggered it and scored 2 three-pointers. Loko got back with Isaiah Whaley lay-up – 90:90. The teams went into the second overtime.
Still, Keene took over the game (UNICS lost Knight and Reynolds to foul trouble) and didn’t let the game slip away – 7 straight points gave the guests a solid lead, which they managed to hold on. The win in one of the most exciting games of the season brought the Kazan team the 3rd place!
X-factor
UNICS rebounding advantage allowed to stay in the game – 52-38. The Kazan team made 21 offensive rebounds (11 for Loko).
Facts
The Kazan team beat Lokomotiv Kuban in 3rd Place Series – 3-1.
UNICS won the VTB United League bronze medal for the 5th time.
This is the first Playoffs game with 2 overtimes since May 2021.
The Kazan team was trailing by 13 points by the middle of the third quarter.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Antonius Cleveland (25 + 6 rebounds), Isaiah Whaley (17 + 6 rebounds), Patrick Miller (15 + 8 assists), Kirill Temirov (13), Tahjere McCall (12), Kirill Elatontsev (10 + 7 rebounds).
UNICS: Marcos Knight (23 + 6 rebounds), Marcus Keane (23), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (16 + 7 rebounds), Ismael Bako (12 + 9 rebounds).
