Lokomotiv Kuban beat MINSK big for the second time this season and got the 11th win — 74:56 (18:14, 17:13, 23:11, 14:18).
Game progress
In the last 5 games, Loko won only once, losing the chance to take 5th place at the end of the first stage of the regular season. MINSK continues to close the standings.
Although Loko quickly took lead (DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell played brightly again), the first half was not easy for the hosts — MINSK constantly held 4-5 points difference and by the middle of the second quarter the team even trailed by 1. However, Loko 9:2 run allowed to have a comfortable lead after the first half – 35:27.
In the second half, MINSK continued the pursuit. However, 4 points in a row from Akoon-Purcell and Vladislav Emchenko and-one helped to increase the lead . After this run, the difference continued to grow. First, Ivan Paunic made the hosts lead double-digit, and then with Josh Gray brought Loko lead to 20 points by the end of the third quarter. MINSK no longer had time for a serious comeback. Loko easily took the win, which became the 11th of the season.
Key factor
Chris Horton completely closed the paint today — Loko bigman made 5 blocks and got his season-high in the League.
Fact
Shortly before the game, MINSK waived Supreme Hannah, who signed with Enisey. This did not affect the team scoring ability at all as MINSK scored less than 60 points again.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (17 + 5 rebounds + 3 steals), Jaylen Barford (11), Aleksandr Shcherbenev (10), Chris Horton (6 + 6 rebounds + 5 blocks)
MINSK: Zach Smith (15), Uladzislau Bliznyuk (10 + 5 rebounds), Daniil Kasko (10)
Next games
Lokomotiv Kuban: road game against Astana on January 20
MINSK: road game versus Samara on January 19
