Samara defeat Uralmash at home – 68:64 (15:14, 22:16, 12:20, 19:14).
Game progress
Samara and Uralmash are fighting for the Playoffs. In the first quarter, the teams combined for 29 points – 15:14. In the second quarter Samara added in offense with bench players support (22 points vs. 15 in 2 quarters) and the Yekaterinburg team turnovers (13 by the halftime). After 6 more points, Samara led by 7 after the first half – 37:30.
In the third quarter, Igor Novikov and Stanley Whittaker allowed the guests to catch up and even took the lead before the fourth quarter – 50:49.
Key moment
The game went into clutch. Mikhail Kulagin free throws and Javontae Hawkins made shot gave Samara a lead a minute before the end – 67:62. Javontae soon missed 2 free throws, giving Uralmash hope, but the guests also had trouble with shooting. In the final minute, Uralmash made only a single shot with 8 seconds left. Soon Justin Roberson scored 1 free throw, but that was enough for the win.
The Volga team ended 2-game losing streak and strengthened the 7th place in the standings.
X-factor
The teams were separated by only 4 points, with Uralmash making only 5 of 17 three-pointers (29.4%).
Fact
Samara managed to win with 68 points. Earlier this season, the Volga team lowest-scoring win was against MBA (76:65).
The Volga team defeated the League newcomer for the second time this season. The first game in Yekaterinburg ended with the score 86:78.
Leaders
Samara: Justin Roberson (12 + 5 assists), Hayden Dalton (11 + 8 rebounds), Javontae Hawkins (10 points + 6 rebounds).
Uralmash: Octavius Ellis (15 + 6 rebounds), Stanley Whittaker (11), Tyrell Nelson (10).
What’s next
Samara (11-10): January 14 on the road against Pari NN
Uralmash (10-11): January 14 at home versus Astana.
