Lokomotiv Kuban defeated MBA-MAI at home – 88:67 (26:18, 24:13, 20:20, 18:16).
Game progress
Early in the game, both teams took turns leading. But the hosts settled into the game faster. The signature style of play combined with aggressive defense allowed Loko to confidently take the initiative. At the start of the second quarter, the Krasnodar team’s lead reached double digits for the first time – 33–20. Loko didn’t stop there. The first half ended with Jeremiah Martin made shot – 50:31.
After the break, the Moscow team managed to equalise the game. But that was all. But the Krasnodar team controlled the game, did not allow the opponent to cut the deficit within 16 points and secured the win.
X-Factor
Aggressive defense was the key to Loko win in this game. The hosts forced opponent to make 23 turnovers. Meanwhile, the Krasnodar team recorded 14 steals, many of which were converted into fast break points.
Facts
Today’s win secured Loko top 4 and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Krasnodar team trails third-place Zenit by 2 wins. MBA-MAI retained its 6th-place in the standings.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Patrick Miller (21 points, 7 assists), Vsevolod Ischenko (14 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds)
MBA-MAI: Pavel Savkov (19 points, 6 rebounds), Sergey Balashov (11 points, 6 rebounds)
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban: April 7 on the road against CSKA
MBA-MAI: April 8 at home against Pari NN.
