Samara defeated Astana at home – 84:63 (31:16, 10:25, 25:12, 18:10).
Game progress
The game was equal until the middle of the first quarter, and then the Volga team made a 10:0 run in 2 minutes. James Thompson scored 6 points in the paint, and the hosts finished the opening quarter with a double-digit lead – 31:16.
The Kazakh team managed to slow down the opponent and was able to made a 7:0 run. Markell Johnson had a good performance in the first half (14 points, 3 assists and 3 steals with 5 of 6 from the game), Astana tie the game by the halftime – 41:41.
Samara started the second half with an 8:0 run and regained the lead. The Volga team managed score more and limited Astana with 12 points in 10 minutes. Drazen Anzulovic team led by 13 points before the final quarter.
Astana failed to repeat the scenario of the second quarter. Mikhail Kulagin and Nikola Rebic helped to strengthen the lead. The hosts didn’t force their game and held a solid lead until the end. The Volga team is now just 1 win behind Group B leader Uralmash.
X-factor
Samara managed to defend well against Markell Johnson, who was the best in the first half, and did not score a single point in the second half.
Fact
Samara was the best home team of Group B before tonight’s game – 9 wins and 6 losses. Today the Volga team again managed to defend their home court.
Leaders
Samara: Rade Zagorac (17), James Thompson (13 + 11 rebounds), Nikola Rebic (13 + 7 assists), Justin Roberson (12).
Astana: Markell Johnson (14 + 5 assists), Royce Hamm (12 + 8 rebounds),
What’s next
Samara (17-14): March 17 on the road against MINSK
Astana (11-20): March 18 on the road versus Runa.
