Astana beat MBA at home – 80:71 (21:26, 22:16, 17:15, 20:14).
Game progress
The game start was equal. Royce Hamm scored 8 fast-break points for Astana, while Evgeny Minchenko helped MBA with 9 points with 4 out of 4 from the game. At the start of the second quarter, the teams started making more mistakes on offense and commiting fouls. Despite the decreased efficiency, the Moscow team managed to take the lead 3 minutes before the halftime. Andrey Lopatin made 2 three-pointers and 3 free throws – 38:32. However, Vasily Karasev’s team couldn’t keep the lead. A couple of unforced fouls led to Astana 9:0 run, which helped the hosts to win the first half – 43:42.
In the third quarter, MBA began to have more free throw attempts. Astana activity in offense had paid off, but the hosts often failed to guard Vasily Karasev team. After Evgeny Voronov’s free throws 8 minutes before the end, the score was equal – 60:60.
Key moment
MBA entered the ending with a 1-point lead. The guests could not make any shot from the game for 3 minutes, but 6 free throws in a row kept the Moscow team in the game – 71:70. On the return possession, Astana took the lead – 72:71, and after turnover and missed three-pointer, MBA had to make a fouls in hopes of saving the game, but failed to do it. The hosts made all free throws, and the guests’ had couple more missed shots and turnover, which put the game to an end.
Astana ended the 5-game losing streak and MBA’s 3-game winning streak.
X-factor
Astana defense played a key role in the game. MBA made last shot from the game 6:45 minutes before the end. For the entire second half, the hosts allowed the Moscow team make only 6 shots.
Fact
Royce Hamm made his 7th double-double of the season and set a new season-high in efficiency in a game – 44.
Leaders
Astana: Royce Hamm (28 + 15 rebounds + 44 eff. points), Markell Johnson (23 + 7 assists), Devin Davis (13).
MBA: Andrey Lopatin (17), Evgeny Minchenko (11 + 5 rebounds).
What’s next
Astana (9-14): January 24 on the road against Samara
MBA (8-15): January 23 at home versus UNICS.
