UNICS defeated Lokomotiv Kuban in the Semifinals Game 1 at home – 78:75 (21:12, 17:13, 19:23, 21:27).
Game progress
Last year’s finalists were as tough as possible in defense from the start, which translated into a low shooting percentage – 0 of 9 for Loko and 2 of 10 for UNICS. The Kazan team was better in the paint, taking a lead – 21:12. In the second quarter, the opponents often commited fouls and by mid-quarter had already reached the limit of personal fouls. That didn’t help the guests offense, as the Krasnodar team still finished possessions with difficult shots. The hosts regularly made free throws, and Marcos Knight made 5 of 5 two-pointers, giving UNICS a comfortable lead by the halfitme – 38:25.
The Kazan team started the second half confidently. Andrey Vorontsevich increased the hosts lead to 18 points. But Loko found a performer to lead the chase. Maurice Ndour scored 5 points, made a steal and launched a run that halved the difference to by the final quarter – 57:48.
Key moment
In the final quarter, the Krasnodar team cut the deficit to 7 points several times, but Erick Green long-range shots kept the guests from getting any closer. Still, in the end, the Krasnodar team took advantage of UNICS bigmen foul trouble and to get within one possession 32 seconds before the end – 71:69. The game moved to the tactical free-throws, where Nenad Dimitrijevic and the same Green demonstrated 100%. The Kazan team kept the lead and got the win in Game 1.
X-factor
An important reason for UNICS’ win was offense – the Kazan team made 6 turnovers (compared to Loko 12). The hosts had good first half, first turnover was only in the middle of the third quarter.
Fact
Both teams made 33% of their three-pointers in the Quarterfinals, and UNICS became the leader during the regular season. But in the Game 1, neither team managed to make a lot of shots – the Kazan team made 6 of 27 long-range shots, while Loko had 3 of 23.
Leaders
UNICS: Erick Green (19), Nenad Dimitrijevic (16 + 5 assists), Markos Knight (15).
Lokomotiv Kuban: Okaro White (15 + 6 rebounds), Maurice Ndour (13), Patrick Miller (12 + 6 assists), DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (12).
What’s next
May 8 in Kazan.
