Uralmash defeated Samara at home – 89:83 (23:18, 20:14, 22:26, 24:25).
Game progress
The hosts took the lead from the start. Stanley Whittaker bright play and fastbreaks gave Uralmash a comfortable lead – 18:11.
The Volga team tie the game with Nikola Rebic and Aleksandr Gudumak. Several possessions brought Samara within one shot – 25:27. But the Yekaterinburg team had another successful stretch at the end of the second quarter. Whittaker, Octavius Ellis and Kirill Pisklov allowed the hosts to get a double-digit lead by the halftime – 43:32.
Key moment
The swings continued in the second half. The hosts let their opponents get within a shot, and then again took a double-digit lead. After Ilya Platonov three-pointer in the middle of the final quarter, Uralmash lead was only 3 points – 73:70. But then the hosts sharpshooters cama into play. Garrett Nevels and Anton Glazunov long-range shots gave Uralmash a comfortable lead and took the win.
X-factor
The hosts lost rebounding battle tonight (17 versus 41), but due to less turnovers (15-22) and a better shot percentage(33 of 54 – 61.1%) still managed to win.
Fact
Uralmash winning streak has already reached 7 games. At the same time, the Yekaterinburg team has been undefeated at home since December.
Leaders
Uralmash: Stanley Whittaker (21), Octavius Ellis (19), Garrett Navels (12 + 5 assists), Javonte Douglas (12), Kirill Pisklov (11).
Samara: Justin Roberson (20 + 7 rebounds), Nikola Rebic (14 + 9 assists), Alexander Gudumak (14), Ilya Platonov (11), James Thompson (10 + 10 rebounds).
What’s next
Uralmash (18-13): March 12 at home against MBA
Samara (16-14): March 13 at home versus Astana.
