MBA-MAI defeated Uralmash at home – 73:68 (21:13, 10:17, 20:22, 22:16).
Game progress
Both teams came into the game with losing streaks: MBA-MAI had lost 3 games in a row, while Uralmash had lost 5 in a row. From the opening minutes, both teams struggled to score. There was a lot of fighting, which resulted in free throws. The Moscow team committed only 1 turnover, while the guests committed 4. The hosts took advantage of this and were able to increase the lead. In the second quarter, the shooting percentage remained low. The guests began to play tight defense and forced the opponent to make 7 turnovers, allowing to reduce the deficit to a minimum – 30:31.
Key moment
By the start of the final quarter, the guests had managed to take a one-point lead. The teams continued to play aggressively, which led to a large number of free throws. During the final quarter, Vasily Karasev team pulled away by 8 points, but the Yekaterinburg team reduced the deficit to 2 points with a minute remaining.
Vladislav Trushkin’s three-pointer was decisive. The Moscow team forward created a comfortable 5-point lead, which the hosts were able to maintain until the end of the game.
X-factor
Play in the paint was a key factor of the game. The Moscow team won the rebounding at important moments, making 46 rebounds, 17 of which were offensive. Uralmash players had 38 rebounds (11 offensive).
Facts
Rivalry history score: 5-5. The guest team won 3 of last 5 head-to-heads.
Aleksandr Platunov scored 14 points and reached 1,000 points in his VTB League career.
Vasily Karasev’s team ended their 3-game losing streak.
Leaders
MBA-MAI: Vladislav Trushkin (16 + 7 rebounds), Aleksandr Platunov (14 + 7 assists).
Uralmash: Octavius Ellis (13 + 7 rebounds), Anton Kardanakishvili (11), Garrett Nevels (10).
What’s next
MBA-MAI: January 11 at home against BETCITY PARMA
Uralmash: January 7 on the road versus Lokomotiv Kuban.
