Avtodor defeated Pari Nizhny Novgorod on the road – 81:65 (17:21, 21:14, 22:15, 21:15).
Game progress
Despite the fact that Avtodor needed the win more and Nizhny lost a number of important players (including Evgenii Baburin), the hosts started the game very confident. Aleksandr Chadov and Sergey Zotkin helped Nizhny Novgorod to take the lead and Kendall Smith extended it to 8 points. However, Brandon Garrett dunk encouraged the Saratov team. A 15:1 run get the team back into the game, and by the end of the first half Avtodor had the lead – 38:35.
Key moment
In the third quarter, Milenko Bogicevic team noticeably added in defense. Avtodor had already built a double-digit lead, bringing it to 20 points. Chadov was the only consistent scorer in Nizhny Novgorod, but his efforts were not enough to bring the hosts back into the game. Avtodor got an important win, getting home court advantage in the play-in, where the Saratov team will host MBA.
X-factor
Throughout the game, the Saratov team actively provoked opponent to foul. As a result, Avtodor made exactly twice as many free throws (18 vs. 9), missing only 2 of 20 shots.
Fact
Milenko Bogicevic became the first head coach in Avtodor history to coach a full regular season in the United League.
Aleksandr Chadov had a career-high 23 points. Nizhny Novgorod forward also made his first double-double of the season.
Leaders
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Aleksandr Chadov (23 + 10 rebounds), Kendall Smith (12 + 7 rebounds), Sergey Zotkin (10), Vladimir Ivlev (4 + 5 rebounds + 5 assists).
Avtodor: Rayshawn Hammonds (25 + 5 rebounds), Sindarius Thornwell (17), Dusan Beslac (12 + 6 rebounds).
What’s next
Pari Nizhny Novgorod (13-27): season is over
Avtodor (19-21): April 17 at home against MBA
