Lokomotiv Kuban beat Samara in Krasnodar – 91:76 (24:18, 28:24, 16:18, 23:16).
Game progress
The host controlled first few minutes of the game. By the middle of the opening quarter, all of Loko’s starting five players had scored points, and the Krasnodar team lead was double-digit – 15:5. The Volga team tied the game with bench players’ help. Hayden Dalton, who came off the bench, made 3 long-range shots, and after Justin Roberson free throws, Samara even took a lead – 26:25.
But the Krasnodar team quickly recovered. The hosts picked up the pace, punished opponents for mistakes several times with fastbreaks and regained a comfortable lead. The Krasnodar team had a 10-point lead by the halftime – 52:42.
Key moment
In the third quarter, after Javontae Hawkins made shots, it looked like the guests would be able to get ahead. But it never happened. The Volga team couldn’t stop the hosts fast offense. Loko systematically built the lead with fastbreaks. At the start of the final quarter the difference was already 18 points – 78:60. In the remaining time the guests tried to save the game, but could only slightly reduce the deficit.
X-factor
Loko’s aggressive defense and quick transition were key factors in tonight’s game. The Krasnodar team made 12 steals and repeated the team’s season-high.
Fact
2 straight losses eliminated the Volga team chances for the Top 6 spot. Today loss has already guaranteed the Playoffs spot to Enisey. And PARMA will need to win in Minsk on January 29 to make it to the Top 6.
Loko extended home winning streak to 12 games. The Krasnodar team has lost only once at home this season to PARMA.
Leaders
Lokomotiv Kuban: Okaro White (21 + 7 rebounds), Andrey Martiuk (18), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (14), Vladislav Emchenko (12), Jaylen Barford (12).
Samara: Hayden Dalton (19 + 5 assists), Javontae Hawkins (15), Aleksandr Gudumak (10).
What’s next
Lokomotiv Kuban (18-7): February 3 on the road against Runa
Samara (13-12): February 4 on the road versus PARMA.
