UNICS defeated Lokomotiv Kuban at home – 75:67 (16:17, 23:21, 18:18, 18:11).
Game progress
First minutes of the game were tense. The lead changed 12 times during the first half, and the score was tied 6 more times. The teams approached the game with different tactics. The Kazan team relied on three-pointers (8 of 17 – 47.1%), while the Kranodar team scored many points on fast breaks. In the end, Dmitry Kulagin allowed UNICS to take the lead before halftime – 39:38.
Key moment
The game went into clutch. And here, Andrey Lopatin became x-factor. The hosts forward scored 7 consecutive points. After his three-pointer with a 1.5 minute left, the Kazan team lead reached 5 points – 71:66.
The guests were unable to make a comeback. In the remaining time, Loko scored only one point, allowing UNICS to secure the win.
X-Factor
Three-pointers became key factor in this game. The hosts made 15 of 36 long-range shots. Moreover, UNICS scored better from the perimeter than from close range (41.7% vs. 33.3%).
Facts
UNICS has defeated Loko in all 4 regular-season games this season.
Andrey Lopatin set a new season-high 18 points.
Leaders
UNICS: Andrey Lopatin (18 points + 8 rebounds), Ty Brewer (17), Dmitry Kulagin (14 points, 5 rebounds), Marcus Bingham (10 points, 5 rebounds)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (19 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds), Vince Hunter (11 points, 6 rebounds), Kirill Temirov (11 points)
What’s next
UNICS: April 1 at home against Samara
Lokomotiv Kuban: April 3 at home versus MBA-MAI.
