UNICS defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in WINLINE Game of the Week on the road – 81:77 (15:18, 31:28, 17:16, 18:15).
Game progress
From the very beginning, the game was equal. During the first half, the lead changed 16 times, and the difference between the opponents was 5 points maximum. The Kazan team dominated the rebounds (22–8), while Loko made less turnovers (3–12). As a result, the half ended with a tie – 46:46.
Key moment
After the fierce battle in the first half, the second half showed some stability. At the start of the third quarter, the guests took the lead and held it for a long time. The Krasnodar team was only able to catch up with the opponent. Kassius Robertson tied the score – 77:77.
However, the Kazan team had the last word in the game. Dmitriy Kulagin’s three-pointer put UNICS back in the lead – 80:77. The hosts still had 21 seconds to respond, but Miller’s three-pointer was blocked. Dyshawn Pierre set the final score from the free throw line – 81:77.
X-factor
Rebounding was the key to the guests win. The Kazan team almost doubled Loko (48-26). Moreover, UNICS grabbed 15 offensive rebounds.
Facts
UNICS moved up to 1st place in the standings after today’s win. Loko dropped to 5th place.
Dyshawn Pierre recorded a double-double for the third game in a row. In today’s game, UNICS forward scored 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Vince Hunter (18 + 7 rebounds), Jeremiah Martin (18), Patrick Miller (11 + 6 assists)
UNICS: Dyshawn Pierre (15 + 15 rebounds), Dmitriy Kulagin (15 + 7 assists), Marcus Bingham (14 + 9 rebounds), Jalen Reynolds (13 + 7 rebounds)
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: January 7 at home versus Uralmash
UNICS: January 10 on the road against Samara.
